Operationalizing 17α-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate to Prevent Recurrent Preterm Birth: Definitions, Barriers, and Next Steps

Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Dec;128(6):1397-1402. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000001738.

Abstract

Each year in the United States, more than 500,000 neonates are born before 37 weeks of gestation. Women who have experienced a previous preterm birth are at high risk of recurrence. A weekly prenatal injection of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate decreases the risk of recurrent preterm birth and is recommended from as early as 16 weeks of gestation in women carrying singleton pregnancies who have a history of spontaneous singleton preterm birth. A commonly used metric for public health program effectiveness is population coverage of an intervention. In the case of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, population coverage can be defined as the proportion of women who are eligible for 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (ie, previous pregnancy complicated by spontaneous singleton preterm birth) who actually receive the intervention. To receive a full course of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, women must negotiate a complex series of steps that includes presenting early for prenatal care, being identified as eligible for 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, being offered 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, accepting 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate, and adhering to the weekly 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate dose schedule. We describe this series of steps as well potential solutions to increase 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate coverage.

MeSH terms

  • 17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate
  • Estrogen Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyprogesterones / therapeutic use*
  • Medication Adherence*
  • Patient Selection
  • Pregnancy
  • Premature Birth / prevention & control*
  • Prenatal Care*
  • Recurrence
  • Secondary Prevention / methods

Substances

  • Estrogen Antagonists
  • Hydroxyprogesterones
  • 17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate