Probiotic Therapy for the Prevention of Recurrent Spontaneous Preterm Birth

Abstract

Preterm birth is the national leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Nearly 500,000 infants are born prematurely each year in the United States and the annual cost of prematurity averages over $26 billion dollars. Despite multiple interventions to reduce infection related prematurity many spontaneous preterm births remain attributed infection and inflammation. We hypothesize that prevention of infection and inflammation related spontaneous preterm birth is possible through enrichment, stabilization, and normalization of the vaginal microbiome. To test this hypothesis we will perform a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of intravaginal Lactobacillus probiotic in women at high-risk for spontaneous preterm birth. Primary outcome will be reduction frequency of spontaneous preterm birth prior to 37 weeks completed gestation. Results of this study will heighten understanding of the role of the normal vaginal flora in pregnancy and potentially uncover a new intervention capable of reducing preterm birth and the complications of prematurity