Progesterone supplementation for prevention of preterm labor: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intramuscular progesterone in prevention of preterm labor in high risk cases. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Ain Shams Maternity hospital. Materials and methods: Singleton pregnant women in their second trimester with a history of previous preterm labor were divided into two groups: progesterone group: received 17-α-hydroxy progesterone caproate (Cidolut depot) one dose of 250mg IM once weekly until 36weeks and placebo group: received standard dose of placebo IM per week. Follow up till delivery. Results: The mean gestational age was 37.4±1.5 in progesterone group vs. 34.7±2.4 in placebo group (P