Clinical use of 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone 17-n-caproate in the prevention of premature labor, and its effect upon fetal salvage.

Abstract

59 pregnant women were treated with 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone 17-n-caproate (17-HPC) and divided into 3 groups the first of which included 40 with spontaneous premature rupture of the membranes. The remainder had painful uterine contractions or distension. Neither premature nor term labor was prevented although many of the patients with painful contractions and uterine disease obtained rapid and relatively complete relief on adequate dosage individualized for each patient. Fetal salvage in the 1000-2000-gm group was significantly improved (p=.03) in those treated with 17-HPC. A theoretical explanation for this improvement was presented.(AUTHORS MODIFIED)