Progesterone for Pre-eclampsia

(PROGRESS Trial)

This trial aims to determine if 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17 OHPC), a form of progesterone, can improve outcomes for mothers and babies when the mother has preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication causing high blood pressure, diagnosed before 34 weeks. Participants will either receive 17 OHPC or join a control group with no added treatment. The trial seeks pregnant individuals between 23 and 34 weeks with preeclampsia who can understand the study and provide consent. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important medical advancements.

The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17 OHPC) is usually well-tolerated. A safety review found its safety comparable to a placebo, indicating it is generally safe to use. However, some studies noted a slight increase in certain pregnancy-related issues compared to control groups.

Most treatments for pre-eclampsia focus on managing symptoms and delaying delivery, often using medications like antihypertensives to control blood pressure. But 17 OHPC, a form of progesterone, offers a different approach by potentially improving both maternal and perinatal outcomes. Researchers are excited about 17 OHPC because it targets hormonal pathways that could stabilize and improve conditions for both the mother and baby, unlike traditional options that primarily address symptoms. This novel mechanism may provide a more comprehensive management strategy for severe pre-eclampsia diagnosed before 34 weeks of gestation.

Research has shown that 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17 OHPC) might help with preeclampsia, a condition in pregnant women that leads to high blood pressure and can harm organs. Animal studies, such as those conducted on rats, have found that 17 OHPC can reduce high blood pressure, a major issue in preeclampsia. These studies also suggest that 17 OHPC may improve health outcomes for both the mother and baby. In this trial, participants in the experimental arm will receive 17 OHPC to determine if it improves maternal and perinatal outcomes in cases of severe preeclampsia diagnosed before 34 weeks gestation. While these results are encouraging, studies in humans are needed to confirm its effectiveness in pregnant women.¹⁶⁷⁸⁹