Does indomethacin prevent preterm birth in women with cervical dilatation in the second trimester?

Am J Perinatol. 2009 Jan;26(1):13-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1091398. Epub 2008 Nov 19.

Abstract

We sought to estimate the effect of indomethacin on duration of pregnancy in women with dilated cervix between 14 (0)/ (7) to 25 (6)/ (7) weeks. Demographics, risk factors, and outcomes were compared in women 14 (0)/ (7) to 25 (6)/ (7) weeks with a dilated cervix > or = 1 cm who received indomethacin versus no indomethacin therapy, stratified for cerclage. Primary outcome was interval from presentation until delivery. Of 222 singleton gestations, 68 (31%) received indomethacin. In unadjusted and adjusted analyses, no significant differences were observed in interval from presentation to delivery and preterm birth < 28, < 32, or < 35 weeks comparing the indomethacin and no indomethacin groups, even after stratification for cerclage. In multivariate logistic regression analysis limited to women receiving cerclage, preterm birth < 32 weeks (odds ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.26, 1.25) and < 35 weeks (odds ratio 0.52, 95% confidence interval 0.23, 1.14) suggested a possible but not significant benefit for indomethacin use. Indomethacin therapy in women with dilated cervix at 14 (0)/ (7) to 25 (6)/ (7) weeks, regardless of cerclage or not, had no effect on pregnancy outcomes.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Amniocentesis
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Birth Weight
  • Cerclage, Cervical
  • Cohort Studies
  • Delivery, Obstetric
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Indomethacin / therapeutic use*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Labor Stage, First / drug effects*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Second / drug effects*
  • Premature Birth / prevention & control*
  • Recurrence
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Steroids / therapeutic use
  • Time Factors
  • Tocolytic Agents / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Steroids
  • Tocolytic Agents
  • Indomethacin