Dodd, J.Crowther, C.Cincotta, R.Flenady, V.Robinson, J.2006-12-032006-12-032005Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica, 2005; 84(6):526-5330001-63491600-0412http://hdl.handle.net/2440/17251The definitive version is available at www.blackwell-synergy.com<h4>Aim</h4>The aim of this study is to assess the role of progesterone in preterm birth prevention.<h4>Methods</h4>A MEDLINE search (from 1966 to the present; date of last search January 2005) was performed - using the key words progesterone, pregnancy, preterm birth, preterm labor, and randomized, controlled trial - in order to identify randomized, controlled trials in which progesterone (either intramuscular or vaginal administration) was compared with placebo or no treatment. Data were extracted and a meta-analysis was performed.<h4>Results</h4>Seven randomized, controlled trials were identified. Women who received progesterone were statistically significantly less likely to give birth before 37 weeks (seven studies, 1020 women, RR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.48-0.70), to have an infant with birth weight of < or =2.5 kg (six studies, 872 infants, RR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.49-0.78), or to have an infant diagnosed with intraventricular hemorrhage (one study, 458 infants, RR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.08-0.82).<h4>Conclusions</h4>For progesterone supplementation to be advocated for women at the risk of preterm birth, the prolongation of gestation demonstrated in this meta-analysis must translate into improved infant outcomes, including a reduction in mortality. There is currently insufficient information to allow recommendations regarding the optimal dose, route, and timing of administration of progesterone supplementation.enHumansBirth WeightProgesteroneTocolytic AgentsAdministration, IntravaginalGestational AgePregnancyInfant, NewbornFemaleObstetric Labor, PrematureRandomized Controlled Trials as TopicJournal article002005037410.1111/j.0001-6349.2005.00835.x0002291763000032-s2.0-1994436788655097Dodd, J. [0000-0002-6363-4874]Crowther, C. [0000-0002-9079-4451]Robinson, J. [0000-0002-4515-6039]