Reducing Recurrent Preterm Birth in Dichorionic/Diamniotic Twin Gestation

Researchers from UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh examined the impact of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) on recurrent preterm birth (PTB) in women who have had a prior PTB and a current dichorionic/diamniotic twin pregnancy in a study recently published in the American Journal of Perinatology. 

In a secondary analysis of patient data pooled from two parent trials, the MFMU Trial and Obstetrix Trial, subjects included in the current study included women with dichorionic/diamniotic twin gestations who had experienced a prior PTB.  Of the 66 women pooled for additional analysis, 34 were treated with 17-OHPC and 32 received a placebo. 

The study found that spontaneous delivery prior to 34 weeks occurred significantly less often in those randomized to 17-OHPC than in those randomized to placebo. Therefore, 17-OHPC may be beneficial to women with a prior PTB and a current dichorionic/diamniotic twin gestation. However, a large prospective trial is needed to validate the findings. 

Learn more about this study here.

UPMC and University of Pittsburgh Authors

Christina Megli, MD, PhD
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Raman Venkataramanan, PhD
Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pathology; Director, Clinical Pharmacokinetics Laboratory; Director of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Co-director of Toxicology, Department of Pathology all at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

Lara Lemon, PhD, PharmD
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Steve N. Caritis, MD
Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine