Women with Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes Do Not Benefit from Weekly Progesterone

Objective: We sought to determine if 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17P) extends gestation vs placebo in women with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM).

Study Design: Women with vertex presentations with PPROM, 20-30 weeks' gestation, were randomized to receive weekly 17P or placebo in an attempt to prolong the pregnancy. A total of 69 patients (17P, n = 33; placebo, n = 36) were randomized into this study.

Results: Initial cervical dilatation, gestational age at enrollment, and interval to delivery were not different between the 2 groups (P = .914, .424, and .146, respectively). Time of randomization to delivery (P = .250), mode of delivery (relative risk, 1.16; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-2.06), and the neonatal outcome statistics of morbidity (P = .820) and mortality (relative risk, 1.28; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-2.75) were similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusion: In patients with PPROM, 17P did not extend gestation vs placebo and cannot be recommended for treatment in such women.