Vaginal Progesterone Effects on Ultrasound Indices, Fetal Outcomes, and Preeclampsia in High-risk Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: According to the high prevalence and importance of preeclampsia and its relationship with uterine artery resistance, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of vaginal progesterone administration on ultrasound indices, fetal outcomes, and high-risk women pregnancy in terms of the incidence of preeclampsia. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, the number of 60 pregnant women between 11 to 14 weeks with risk factors for preeclampsia were examined according to the inclusion criteria and based on random assignation method in two groups of 30 patients (intervention group: 80 mg aspirin tablets + 400 mg vaginal progesterone suppositories and control group: 80 mg aspirin tablets) based on maternal and fetal outcomes and uterine artery color Doppler ultrasound (pulsatility index (PI) and vascular resistance index (RI). Results: The prevalence of preterm birth in the intervention group was lower significantly difference (P≤0.05). In the intervention group, uterine artery PI after the study had a greater decrease than before the study on the right side (0.33±0.42 vs. 0.05±0.28, P≤0.05) and on the left side (0.38±0.49 vs. 0.09±0.2, P≤0.05), compared to the control group. In the intervention group, uterine artery RI after the study had a greater decrease than before the study on the right side (0.20±0.31 vs. 0.02±0.10, P≤0.05) and on the left side (0.22±0.3 vs. 0.03 ± 0.1, P≤0.05), compared to the control group. Conclusion: Progesterone suppositories in addition to aspirin, can reduce the prevalence of preterm birth and uterine artery PI and RI values.