Schuit E, Stock S, Rode L, Rouse DJ, Lim AC, Norman JE, Nassar AH, Serra V, Combs CA, Vayssiere C, Aboulghar MM, Wood S, Çetingöz E, Briery CM, Fonseca EB, Worda K, Tabor A, Thom EA, Caritis SN, Awwad J, Usta IM, Perales A, Meseguer J, Maurel K, Garite T, Aboulghar MA, Amin YM, Ross S, Cam C, Karateke A, Morrison JC, Magann EF, Nicolaides KH, Zuithoff NPA, Groenwold RHH, Moons KGM, Kwee A, Mol BWJ. Effectiveness of progestogens to improve perinatal outcome in twin pregnancies: an individual participant data meta-analysis.
BJOG 2014;
122:27-37. [PMID:
25145491 DOI:
10.1111/1471-0528.13032]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
In twin pregnancies, the rates of adverse perinatal outcome and subsequent long-term morbidity are substantial, and mainly result from preterm birth (PTB).
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness of progestogen treatment in the prevention of neonatal morbidity or PTB in twin pregnancies using individual participant data meta-analysis (IPDMA).
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched international scientific databases, trial registration websites, and references of identified articles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised clinical trials (RCTs) of 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17Pc) or vaginally administered natural progesterone, compared with placebo or no treatment.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Investigators of identified RCTs were asked to share their IPD. The primary outcome was a composite of perinatal mortality and severe neonatal morbidity. Prespecified subgroup analyses were performed for chorionicity, cervical length, and prior spontaneous PTB.
MAIN RESULTS
Thirteen trials included 3768 women and their 7536 babies. Neither 17Pc nor vaginal progesterone reduced the incidence of adverse perinatal outcome (17Pc relative risk, RR 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI 0.97-1.4, vaginal progesterone RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.77-1.2). In a subgroup of women with a cervical length of ≤25 mm, vaginal progesterone reduced adverse perinatal outcome when cervical length was measured at randomisation (15/56 versus 22/60; RR 0.57; 95% CI 0.47-0.70) or before 24 weeks of gestation (14/52 versus 21/56; RR 0.56; 95% CI 0.42-0.75).
AUTHOR'S CONCLUSIONS
In unselected women with an uncomplicated twin gestation, treatment with progestogens (intramuscular 17Pc or vaginal natural progesterone) does not improve perinatal outcome. Vaginal progesterone may be effective in the reduction of adverse perinatal outcome in women with a cervical length of ≤25 mm; however, further research is warranted to confirm this finding.
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