A Comparative Study of Intramuscular 17 alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate and Oral Nifedipine in Management of Preterm Labor Pain

The aim of study was to compare efficacy and safety of intramuscular17 alpha hydroxy progesterone caproate and oral nifedipine in management of preterm labor. Study was conducted in 340 women divided in two groups after randomization. In group A (170 cases) single dose of injection 17 alpha hydroxyprogesteronecaproate (500mg) was given and in group B (170 cases) tablet oral nifedipine (30mg stat followed by 10 mg 8 hourly till 3 doses) was given. We conclude that both drugs have similar tocolytic effect, there was no statistically significant difference (pgreater than0.005) in efficacy of these two drugs. But the prolongation of pregnancy was significantly longer (pless than0.005) with 17OHPC and NICU stay was shorter (p less than0.005) with 17OHPC.