This May Not Help Prevent Repeat Miscarriage
This May Not Help Prevent Repeat Miscarriage
Findings likely to disappoint many couples, researcher says
The 826 women in the trial were randomly assigned to receive vaginal progesterone supplements or placebo. Nearly two-thirds had their baby, regardless of treatment, the researchers said.
Coomarasamy said there were no significant negative effects of progesterone for women or for their babies. This is important for women taking progesterone for other reasons, such as fertility treatment, he said.
Despite the findings, Dr. Edward McCabe, chief medical officer at the March of Dimes, is not ready to give up on progesterone for preventing miscarriage.
"The limitations of the current trial include how the progesterone was given. Perhaps oral or intramuscular could be more effective than vaginal," he said.
In addition, treatment was started after pregnancy was confirmed, McCabe said. "Progesterone might be more effective if given before or at the time of conception," he said.
Future trials should address timing and route of administration, he said.
The causes of miscarriage aren't totally understood, but chromosome problems account for more than half of first-trimester miscarriages, the March of Dimes says.
Another cause is blighted ovum, which occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but doesn't develop into a full-term baby.
Miscarriage also has been linked to smoking, alcohol and drug use, and the mother's health. Conditions such as diabetes, lupus and other autoimmune diseases, and thyroid disease can increase the odds of miscarriage, according to the March of Dimes.
This May Not Help Prevent Repeat Miscarriage
Findings likely to disappoint many couples, researcher says
The 826 women in the trial were randomly assigned to receive vaginal progesterone supplements or placebo. Nearly two-thirds had their baby, regardless of treatment, the researchers said.
Coomarasamy said there were no significant negative effects of progesterone for women or for their babies. This is important for women taking progesterone for other reasons, such as fertility treatment, he said.
Despite the findings, Dr. Edward McCabe, chief medical officer at the March of Dimes, is not ready to give up on progesterone for preventing miscarriage.
"The limitations of the current trial include how the progesterone was given. Perhaps oral or intramuscular could be more effective than vaginal," he said.
In addition, treatment was started after pregnancy was confirmed, McCabe said. "Progesterone might be more effective if given before or at the time of conception," he said.
Future trials should address timing and route of administration, he said.
The causes of miscarriage aren't totally understood, but chromosome problems account for more than half of first-trimester miscarriages, the March of Dimes says.
Another cause is blighted ovum, which occurs when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus but doesn't develop into a full-term baby.
Miscarriage also has been linked to smoking, alcohol and drug use, and the mother's health. Conditions such as diabetes, lupus and other autoimmune diseases, and thyroid disease can increase the odds of miscarriage, according to the March of Dimes.
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