A randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial of ascorbic acid supplementation for the prevention of preterm labour
Date
2003
Authors
Steyn P.S.
Odendaal H.J.
Schoeman J.
Stander C.
Fanie N.
Grove D.
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Abstract
In a previous study from this institution, patients at high risk for preterm labour were screened for the presence of bacterial vaginosis (BV). When BV was present, they were randomised to receive either treatment (metronidazole) or placebo (vitamin C). There were significantly more patients with preterm labour in the metronidazole group. The aim of this double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial study was to determine whether vitamin C could indeed reduce the recurrence risk of preterm labour. Patients with a history of preterm labour in a preceding pregnancy were randomised to receive 250 mg vitamin C or a matching placebo twice daily until 34 weeks' gestation. They attended a dedicated premature labour clinic. Significantly more women delivered before term in the group that received vitamin C, but there was no difference in the outcome of the babies between the two groups. Supplementation with vitamin C did not prevent premature labour.
Description
Keywords
ascorbic acid, placebo, adult, antepartum hemorrhage, article, bacterial infection, clinical trial, controlled clinical trial, controlled study, delivery, double blind procedure, female, gestational age, Gram negative infection, human, hypertension, labor induction, major clinical study, outpatient department, preeclampsia, premature labor, priority journal, randomized controlled trial, reagin test, recurrence risk, treatment outcome, urine culture, uterine cervix cytology, vitamin supplementation, Adolescent, Adult, Antioxidants, Ascorbic Acid, Dietary Supplements, Double-Blind Method, Female, Humans, Middle Aged, Obstetric Labor, Premature, Pregnancy
Citation
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
23
2
23
2