Vaginal Progesterone to Prevent Spontaneous Preterm Birth in Women With a Sonographic Short Cervix: The Story of the PREGNANT Trial

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2024 Jun 1;67(2):433-457. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000867. Epub 2024 Apr 5.

Abstract

The PREGNANT trial was a randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial designed to determine the efficacy and safety of vaginal progesterone (VP) to reduce the risk of birth < 33 weeks and of neonatal complications in women with a sonographic short cervix (10 to 20 mm) in the mid-trimester (19 to 23 6/7 wk). Patients allocated to receive VP had a 45% lower rate of preterm birth (8.9% vs 16.1%; relative risk = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.33-0.92). Neonates born to mothers allocated to VP had a 60% reduction in the rate of respiratory distress syndrome. This article reviews the background, design, execution, interpretation, and impact of the PREGNANT Trial.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravaginal
  • Cervical Length Measurement
  • Cervix Uteri* / diagnostic imaging
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Pregnancy
  • Premature Birth* / prevention & control
  • Progesterone* / administration & dosage
  • Progesterone* / therapeutic use
  • Progestins* / administration & dosage
  • Progestins* / therapeutic use
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / prevention & control

Substances

  • Progesterone
  • Progestins