Effectiveness of 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate on preterm birth prevention in women with history-indicated cerclage

Objective To determine whether 17-α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) reduces the incidence of preterm birth in women with a history-indicated cerclage. Study Design Retrospective cohort study of women who received a cerclage for a prior preterm birth, analyzed based on exposure to 17P. The primary outcome variable was delivery < 35 weeks. Secondary outcomes were preterm birth < 37, 32, 28, and 24 weeks; interval between cerclage placement and delivery; gestational age at delivery; and infant birth weight. Results Fourteen women received 17P and 80 did not. Baseline characteristics did not differ between these two groups. Preterm delivery at < 35 weeks did not differ between those who received 17P and those who did not (29% versus 15%, p = 0.46). There were no significant differences between the groups for any other outcome. Conclusion 17P does not appear to have an effect on preterm birth < 35 weeks in women with a history-indicated cerclage.