CRD presents EPPPIC results

Posted on 21 May 2018

Preliminary results of the Evaluating Progestogens for Prevention of Preterm Birth International Collaborative (EPPPIC) individual participant data meta-analysis were presented to collaborators at a dedicated meeting on May 15th, just prior to the 3rd European Spontaneous Preterm Birth Congress, in Edinburgh.

Reducing preterm birth is a global health priority. Over 15 million infants are born prematurely each year. Babies born early are at greater risk of having difficulties at birth and health problems during infancy, including greater risks of dying during their first year. Despite extensive study there is still uncertainty and intense debate about whether administering progestogens to pregnant women reduces the chances of preterm birth and associated morbidity.

We were therefore delighted to share and discuss preliminary results, based on 31 randomised trials and over 10,000 women with the trial investigators who provided their data for re-analysis. The CRD research team responsible for EPPPIC is now completing additional analyses and coordinating further discussion, intent on reaching some consensus in this controversial area.

The EPPPIC project is funded by the Paitent-Centred Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) and the meeting was supported by March of Dimes.