WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING PATIENTS COULD MOST BENEFIT FROM ADMINISTRATION OF 17 ALPHA-HYDROXYPROGESTERONE CAPROATE

• A. A patient with two previous spontaneous preterm births ✓
• B. A smoker
• C. A primigravida
• D. A person presenting with preterm premature rupture of membranes

17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) is a synthetic form of progesterone that has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of recurrent preterm birth in women with a history of spontaneous preterm delivery. Therefore, a patient with two previous spontaneous preterm births could benefit the most from the administration of 17P to help prevent another preterm birth.

In other words, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) is a synthetic form of progesterone that has been used to reduce the risk of preterm birth in certain high-risk pregnancies. This is because women with a history of previous spontaneous preterm births are at an increased risk of experiencing another preterm birth, and 17P has been shown to be effective in reducing this risk in such cases.

In contrast:

• B. A smoker: While smoking is a known risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including preterm birth, the administration of 17P is specifically indicated for women with a history of spontaneous preterm delivery, not based on smoking status alone.
• C. A primigravida: Primigravida refers to a woman who is pregnant for the first time. The use of 17P is typically recommended for women with a history of previous preterm births rather than first-time pregnant women.
• D. A person presenting with preterm premature rupture of membranes: While preterm premature rupture of membranes is a serious complication that can lead to preterm birth, the use of 17P is primarily focused on preventing recurrent preterm births in women with a history of spontaneous preterm delivery rather than managing complications during an active preterm labor scenario.