Role of Intramuscular 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate in Prolongation of Pregnancy in Women with Placenta Previa: A Randomized Control Study

Background: Placenta previa is a maternal condition that usually presents as vaginal bleeding without pain within the third phase of pregnancy. It is caused by an aberrant placental insertion near or overlaying the internal os of cervix. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the place of intramuscular 17-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate in Prolongation (17-OHPC) therapy in the standard care of patients between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy who exhibit symptoms of placenta previa. Subjects and methods: A randomized control investigation that was conducted through the period from June 2023 to June 2024 at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital (ASUMH). Forty cases with placenta previa who were between 28 and 34 weeks gestation were involved, and they were split into two groups (20 patients each for the research and control). Results: Concerning the frequency of vaginal bleeding episodes, the need for blood, RBCs, and plasma transfusions. There was insignificant distinction between the studied groups. However, there was a highly significant variation when it came to the prolongation of pregnancy to 36 to 37 week + 6 days. Preterm birth was the only area where there was a highly statistically significant variation between the study groups, not birth weight or NICU admission. Conclusion: In placenta previa patients, the administration of progestational drugs and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate enhanced birth weight and decreased the frequency of premature birth. Nevertheless, there was no improvement in the babies' birth weight or requirement for NICU care.