Comparison in Cervical Length and Prolongation of Gestation Age on Vaginal Progesterone Administration to Pregnant Women After the Acute Phase of Threatened Preterm Birth

This prospective, open-label, randomised clinical trial aims to investigate the effect of daily vaginal progesterone supplementation on pregnancy prolongation and cervical length changes following arrested preterm labor in singleton pregnancies. Threatened preterm labor is characterised by rhythmic uterine contractions occurring without substantial cervical changes, as assessed through digital pelvic examination. The gestational age will be verified via ultrasound metrics and review of antenatal care documentation. All subjects will receive standard tocolytic treatment, oral nifedipine for 48 hours in conjunction with dexamethasone injections to promote fetal lung development. The arrest of preterm labor is characterised by a stable condition that does not advance to active labor, specifically defined as two or fewer contractions per ten minutes, intact membranes, and cervical dilatation of three centimetres or less, following a minimum of 48 hours after the first dose of tocolytics. Women will be enrolled 48 hours after tocolytic initiation. Upon obtaining written informed consent from the participants, baseline data will be collected for each individual. The baseline data comprise demographic and clinical information, including risk factors, digital pelvic examinations, and ultrasound findings. All participants will receive a digital pelvic examination to assess cervical dilation and effacement, as well as a transvaginal ultrasound to measure cervical length. Cervical length will be assessed by Ernawati at Dr. Soetomo Hospital utilising a standard procedure with a probe encased in a disposable cover, which is then inserted vaginally with an empty bladder. The cervical length will be reassessed at outpatient clinic visits at 7 days and 14 days post-enrollment. Subsequent to the acquisition of baseline data, all participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: the Control Group, which does not receive therapy, and the Therapy Group, which will receive vaginal progesterone. Ethical considerations are of utmost importance in this study. The study protocol will undergo evaluation and approval by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or equivalent ethical committee. Confidentiality of participants will be preserved during the study, and data will be anonymised throughout analysis and reporting. All potential hazards related to the examination or drug administration will be comprehensively communicated to participants, and suitable safety protocols will be established. Participants will be notified of their right to withdraw from the study at any period without penalty.

Inclusion criteria

• Singleton pregnant women who have passed the acute phase of Threatened Preterm Labor that meets the following criteria:

• Persistent contractions (2-3 contractions in 10 minutes) accompanied by cervical dilation assessed based on pelvic examination (Vaginal Touche)
• Intact amniotic membrane
• Cervical dilation ≤ 2 cm
• No birth occurs within 2x24 hours since persistent contractions appear.
• Age 18-40 years
• The gestational age must be between 28 weeks and 33 weeks plus 6 days.
• Able to participate, communicate well with researchers, and willing to provide written consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with cervical cerclage in this pregnancy
• Cervical length is less than 10 mm
• Congenital abnormalities in the fetus
• Anatomical abnormalities in the uterus
• History of antepartum hemorrhage in this pregnancy
• Known hypersensitivity to progesterone or contraindications to its use.
• Suspected or proven premature rupture of membranes at enrollment
• Subjects on drug therapy known to interact with progesterone (eg Bromocriptine, Rifampin, Ketoconazole, and Cyclosporine)
• Subjects with comorbidities: cardiovascular disease, renal function, liver function, hematological disorders, and other uncontrolled comorbidities.
• Subjects with stress conditions based on the DASS-42 questionnaire.