What Prevents Eligible Patients from Receiving Progesterone Therapy to Prevent Recurrent Preterm Birth

Objective: The use of intramuscular 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) has been shown to be beneficial for the prevention of preterm birth (PTB) in women with a prior history. Not all patients with a prior preterm birth receive 17-OHPC. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential barriers to receiving this therapy. Methods: A retrospective chart review of those patients at our institution who received the diagnosis of “previous preterm delivery” in 2010 and 2011 was performed to see whether they were offered and received 17-OHPC. Patients were considered eligible if they had a prior delivery at less than 36 weeks of gestation secondary to idiopathic preterm labor. For those patients that were deemed eligible but did not receive therapy, an explanation was sought. Results: Sixty-six charts were reviewed in detail. Forty-three patients were considered eligible to receive 17-OHPC. The remaining had medical indications for delivery including premature rupture of membranes (PROM) (15), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (1), and hypertension (2). Of the 43 patients deemed eligible, 17 did not receive 17-OHPC. Of these, eight patients were not offered therapy, 2 patients declined therapy, 3 patients presented with therapy after 28 weeks (too late), and 4 received a prophylactic cerclage as their only therapy. There were no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion: In an effort to increase 17-OHPC use among eligible patients, we must continually identify physician biases and patient barriers that prevent utilization of this intervention. In addition, patients who deliver preterm should be told the importance of presenting early in subsequent pregnancies in order to receive the full benefits of this therapy.

Strategies to prevent preterm birth and cerebral palsy: Compliance with current recommendations

Objective: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) administration to patients with preterm delivery has been associated with a decrease in cerebral palsy. At our institution, a protocol was established regarding the administration of magnesium sulfate for patients in preterm labor at less than 32 weeks of gestation. Despite this protocol, not all eligible patients received this therapy. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential barriers to MgSO4 administration. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of those patients who received the diagnosis of “Early Onset Delivery” or “preterm labor” from January through December of 2010, to see what therapies were offered and received. Results: 119 patients met initial criteria. Of those, 68 patients had preterm labor less than 32 weeks. 15 of the 68 patients (22%) received MgSO4. Of those patients that did not receive MgSO4, only 6 delivered <32 weeks. Five were considered eligible. One patient had a relative contraindication to therapy. There were no demographic differences between those patients that received MgSO4, and those that were eligible and did not. Potential barriers included short time frame from presentation to delivery, treatment not considered by healthcare provider, and unanticipated delivery. No patient declined therapy. Conclusions: At our institution, the rate of MgSO4 administration for neuroprotection to eligible candidates was 75%. The subgroup of patients where MgSO4 was not administered in eligible candidates was unanticipated delivery (4), and premature rupture of membranes (1). A 4 gram load of MgSO4 should be attempted prior to delivery of eligible patients, as this strategy has also been shown to be of benefit.