Journal of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy

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Use of progestagens during early pregnancy

Keywords:

miscarriage, progestagens, Progesterone, 17 α OH Progesterone, 17 α OH Progesterone Caproate, ­recurrent miscarriage

G. Dante, V. Vaccaro, F. Facchinetti
Mother-Infant Department, Unit of Obstetrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Correspondence at: fabio.facchinetti@unimore.it

Abstract

The term “progestagens” covers a group of molecules including both the natural female sex hormones Progesterone and 17-hydroxy Progesterone as well as several synthetic forms, all displaying the ability to bind Progesterone ­receptors.
Several studies have used Progesterone and related steroids in the attempt to prevent spontaneous miscarriage, and treat recurrent miscarriage.

The present paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the literature on progestagens effects during early pregnancy. We looked only at the results from randomized controlled trials. We found and analyzed 15 trials on the prevention of recurrent miscarriage and 2 trials on the treatment of miscarriage. The results demonstrated that there is no evidence to support the routine use of progestagens for the treatment of threatened miscarriage.