Prevention and Therapy of Preterm Birth. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S2k Level, AWMF Registry Number 015/025, February 2019) – Part 1 with Recommendations on the Epidemiology, Etiology, Prediction, Primary and Secondary Prevention of Preterm Birth

Abstract

Aims This is an official guideline of the German Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), the Austrian Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (ÖGGG) and the Swiss Society for Gynecology and Obstetrics (SGGG). The aim of this guideline is to improve the prediction, prevention and management of preterm birth based on evidence obtained from recent scientific literature, the experience of the members of the guideline commission and the views of self-help groups. Methods Based on the international literature, the members of the participating medical societies and organizations developed Recommendations and Statements. These were adopted following a formal process (structured consensus conference with neutral moderation, voting was done in writing using the Delphi method to achieve consensus). Recommendations Part I of this short version of the guideline lists Statements and Recommendations on the epidemiology, etiology, prediction and primary and secondary prevention of preterm birth.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Pregnancy—The Case for a Target Omega-3 Index

“…As mentioned, supplementing Omega-3 fatty acid in pregnancy is being recommended by an impressive number of scientific societies, but not by all [7][8][9]39]. Usually, the evidence supporting the recommendation is reviewed to some extent in the recommendations [7][8][9]39]. Therefore, here, this evidence is briefly presented from the perspective of levels, rather than from the perspective of supplementation.…”

17-Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate for the Prevention of Recurrent Preterm Birth – A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Taking into Account the PROLONG Trial

“…The current German guideline “Prevention and Therapy of Preterm Birth” (AWMF registry number 015-025), which was prepared and released prior to the publication of the PROLONG trial, gives an open non-binding recommendation (“may”) on the administration of 17-OHPC to women with singleton pregnancies and a history of spontaneous preterm birth 18 .…”

“…Die aktuelle Leitlinie „Prävention und Therapie der Frühgeburt“ (AWMF-Registernummer 015-025), welche vor Erscheinen des PROLONG-Trials verfasst wurde, spricht für die Gabe von 17-OHPC bei Frauen mit Einlingsschwangerschaft und vorangegangener spontaner Frühgeburt eine offene Empfehlung mit geringer Verbindlichkeit („kann“) aus 18 .…”

Position Paper of the Task Force for Obstetrics and Prenatal Medicine (AGG – Section Preterm Birth) on the Placement, Removal and Surveillance of the Arabin Cervical Pessary in Patients at Risk for Spontaneous Preterm Birth

“…In 2014, the German Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie und Geburtshilfe [DGGG]) formed an obstetrical task force (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Geburtshilfe und Pränatalmedizin [AGG]) to promote the implementation of guidelines. Recently, an S2-consensus guideline on the prevention and treatment of preterm birth 1 , 2 was published which included indications for the Arabin pessary. This position paper adds important clinical recommendations on technical aspects such as pessary insertion and removal as well as clinical and ultrasound surveillance recommendations for patients receiving pessary treatment.…”

“…Large trials and a prospective meta-analysis are being conducted worldwide. Clinical use of the cerclage pessary, which may stay in the vagina for > 28 days, is regulated by the Medical Device Regulation (MDR) which has legal implications within the European Union 2 .…”