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Real-world utilization pattern of dydrogesterone in 7287 Indian women with obstetric and gynecological conditions: data from multicentric, retrospective study

Abstract

Objective:

Despite the literature on dydrogesterone, studies on dydrogesterone utilization patterns are largely lacking in Indian patients.

Methods:

This was a multi-center, retrospective, observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study across 817 centers in India. Data of patients who received dydrogesterone in past and provided consent for future use of their medical record for research purpose was were retrieved and analyzed.

Results:

Data of 7287 subjects (aged 29.55±4.84 years) was analyzed. Threatened abortion was the most common indication for which the subjects received dydrogesterone (46.9%) followed by recurrent pregnancy loss. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders and anemia were the most common comorbid conditions and prior pregnancy loss, advanced maternal age and obesity were the most common risk factors seen in subjects who received dydrogesterone. Total 27.5% of subjects received a loading dose of dydrogesterone, and majority (64%) received 40 mg as loading dose. 10 mg dose was used as maintenance or regular dose in 81.4% of the subjects. Twice daily (BID) was the most common dosing frequency (66.6%). The most common concomitant medications being taken by the subjects on dydrogesterone included folic acid (45.1%), iron supplements (30.3%) and calcium and vitamin D3 supplements (25.5%). Another progesterone preparation (oral, injection, vaginal, tubal) other than dydrogesterone was used concurrently in 7.8% of subjects.

Conclusion:

The study helped to identify the patient population that is benefitted by dydrogesterone and the preferred indications, risk factors, comorbid conditions and concomitant medication used in this patient population at real-life scenario.

Keywords
Comorbid conditions; Concomitant medications; Dydrogesterone; Gynecological conditions; Indian women; Risk factors; Threatened abortion; Utilization pattern

Introduction

Progesterone has an important place in the management of obstetric and gynecological conditions.(11 Ott J, Egarter C, Aguilera A. Dydrogesterone after 60 years: a glance at the safety profile. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2022;38(4):279-87. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2021.2016692
https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2021.20...

2 Carp HJ. Progestogens in obstetrics and gynecology. 2nd ed. Cham: Springer Nature; 2021.
-33 Filicori M. Clinical roles and applications of progesterone in reproductive medicine: an overview. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2015;94 Suppl 161:3-7. doi: 10.1111/aogs.12791
https://doi.org/10.1111/aogs.12791...
) Progesterone can be given orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously, intravaginally and through rectal routes.(44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
) Of these, oral route is most convenient for patients.(44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
) However, oral micronized progesterone has limited use in clinical practice because it undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism and therefore has relatively low bioavailability.(44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
)

Dydrogesterone is a stereoisomer of progesterone that is pharmacologically close to endogenous progesterone.(11 Ott J, Egarter C, Aguilera A. Dydrogesterone after 60 years: a glance at the safety profile. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2022;38(4):279-87. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2021.2016692
https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2021.20...
,55 Griesinger G, Tournaye H, Macklon N, Petraglia F, Arck P, Blockeel C, et al. Dydrogesterone: pharmacological profile and mechanism of action as luteal phase support in assisted reproduction. Reprod Biomed Online. 2019;38(2):249-59. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.11.017
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.11.0...
) It has high oral bioavailability, is more specific for progesterone receptors than micronized progesterone, and therefore a 10–20 times lower oral dose than micronized progesterone is required to exert the pharmacological action.(11 Ott J, Egarter C, Aguilera A. Dydrogesterone after 60 years: a glance at the safety profile. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2022;38(4):279-87. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2021.2016692
https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2021.20...
,44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
,55 Griesinger G, Tournaye H, Macklon N, Petraglia F, Arck P, Blockeel C, et al. Dydrogesterone: pharmacological profile and mechanism of action as luteal phase support in assisted reproduction. Reprod Biomed Online. 2019;38(2):249-59. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.11.017
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.11.0...
) The androgenic, glucocorticoid, mineralcorticoid or estrogenic side-effects of dydrogesterone are significantly less compared with micronized progesterone.(11 Ott J, Egarter C, Aguilera A. Dydrogesterone after 60 years: a glance at the safety profile. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2022;38(4):279-87. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2021.2016692
https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2021.20...
,66 Rižner TL, Brožič P, Doucette C, Turek-Etienne T, Müller-Vieira U, Sonneveld E, et al. Selectivity and potency of the retroprogesterone dydrogesterone in vitro. Steroids. 2011;76(6):607-15. doi: 10.1016/j.steroids.2011.02.043
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.steroids.2011....
)

Dydrogesterone has been in use for over 60 years, and has demonstrated a favorable efficacy, safety and tolerability profile across multiple obstetric and gynecological indications.(11 Ott J, Egarter C, Aguilera A. Dydrogesterone after 60 years: a glance at the safety profile. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2022;38(4):279-87. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2021.2016692
https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2021.20...
,77 Carp H. A systematic review of dydrogesterone for the treatment of recurrent miscarriage. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2015;31(6):422-30. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2015.1006618
https://doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2015.10...

8 Queisser-Luft A. Dydrogesterone use during pregnancy: 0verview of birth defects reported since 1977. Early Hum Dev. 2009;85(6):375-7. doi: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2008.12.016
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.earlhumdev.200...
-99 Katalinic A, Shulman LP, Strauss JF, Garcia-Velasco JA, van den Anker JN. A critical appraisal of safety data on dydrogesterone for the support of early pregnancy: a scoping review and meta-analysis. Reprod BioMed Online. 2022;45(2):365-73. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.03.032
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.03.0...
) Dydrogesterone has been efficiently used for progesterone-deficient obstetrical conditions such as threatened abortion, recurrent pregnancy loss, infertility due to luteal phase deficit, and gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, secondary amenorrhea, irregular menstrual cycles and premenstrual syndrome.(11 Ott J, Egarter C, Aguilera A. Dydrogesterone after 60 years: a glance at the safety profile. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2022;38(4):279-87. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2021.2016692
https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2021.20...
,44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
,77 Carp H. A systematic review of dydrogesterone for the treatment of recurrent miscarriage. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2015;31(6):422-30. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2015.1006618
https://doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2015.10...
,1010 Barbosa MW, Silva LR, Navarro PA, Ferriani RA, Nastri CO, Martins WP. Dydrogesterone vs progesterone for luteal-phase support: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2016;48(2):161-70. doi: 10.1002/uog.15814
https://doi.org/10.1002/uog.15814...

11 Lou C, Wang C, Zhao Q, Jin F. Effect of dydrogesterone and progesterone on threatened miscarriage due to corpus luteum insufficiency. Am J Transl Res. 2021;13(5):4544-52.

12 Verma S, Yadav P. To study the comparison between oral dydrogesterone and micronized progesterone in threatened miscarriage in terms of pain lower abdomen and bleeding per vaginum. Ann Int Med Dent Res. 2020;7(1):11-5.

13 Zhao H, He W, Yang Z. A pairwise and network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of progestogens in threatened abortion. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022;156(3):383-93. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13707
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13707...

14 Guo H, Lu Q. Efficacy of dydrogesterone on treating recurrent miscarriage and its influence on immune factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Palliat Med. 2021;10(10):10971-85. doi: 10.21037/apm-21-2605
https://doi.org/10.21037/apm-21-2605...

15 Sukhikh GT, Adamyan LV, Dubrovina SO, Baranov II, Bezhenar VF, Kozachenko AV, et al. Prolonged cyclical and continuous regimens of dydrogesterone are effective for reducing chronic pelvic pain in women with endometriosis: results of the ORCHIDEA study. Fertil Steril. 2021;116(6):1568-77. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2021.07.1194
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.202...

16 Wang L, Guan HY, Xia HX, Chen XY, Zhang W. Dydrogesterone treatment for menstrual-cycle regularization in abnormal uterine bleeding – ovulation dysfunction patients. World J Clin Cases. 2020;8(15):3259-66. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i15.3259
https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v8.i15.325...

17 Panay N, Pritsch M, Alt J. Cyclical dydrogesterone in secondary amenorrhea: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2007;23(11):611-8. doi: 10.1080/09513590701582554
https://doi.org/10.1080/0951359070158255...

18 Trivedi N, Chauhan N, Vaidya V. Effectiveness and safety of dydrogesterone in regularization of menstrual cycle: a post-marketing study. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2016;32(8):667-71. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2016.1152238
https://doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2016.11...
-1919 Wyatt K, Dimmock P, Jones P, Obhrai M, O'Brien S. Efficacy of progesterone and progestogens in management of premenstrual syndrome: systematic review. BMJ. 2001;323(7316):776-80. doi: 10.1136/bmj.323.7316.776
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.323.7316.776...
) Dydrogesterone is the most commonly prescribed progesterone during pregnancy and for threatened abortion.(99 Katalinic A, Shulman LP, Strauss JF, Garcia-Velasco JA, van den Anker JN. A critical appraisal of safety data on dydrogesterone for the support of early pregnancy: a scoping review and meta-analysis. Reprod BioMed Online. 2022;45(2):365-73. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.03.032
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.03.0...
,2020 Pang YY, Ma CL. Real-world pharmacological treatment patterns of patients with threatened miscarriage in China from 2014 to 2020: a cross-sectional analysis. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2022;47(2):228-36. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.13536
https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpt.13536...
) Oral dydrogesterone carries the least risk of miscarriage while treating threatened abortion and recurrent pregnancy loss as compared to other progesterone.(77 Carp H. A systematic review of dydrogesterone for the treatment of recurrent miscarriage. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2015;31(6):422-30. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2015.1006618
https://doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2015.10...
,1313 Zhao H, He W, Yang Z. A pairwise and network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of progestogens in threatened abortion. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022;156(3):383-93. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13707
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13707...
)

It has been found to be as effective as micronized progesterone for luteal phase support during in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles and for treating threatened miscarriages due to corpus luteum insufficiency.(1010 Barbosa MW, Silva LR, Navarro PA, Ferriani RA, Nastri CO, Martins WP. Dydrogesterone vs progesterone for luteal-phase support: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2016;48(2):161-70. doi: 10.1002/uog.15814
https://doi.org/10.1002/uog.15814...

11 Lou C, Wang C, Zhao Q, Jin F. Effect of dydrogesterone and progesterone on threatened miscarriage due to corpus luteum insufficiency. Am J Transl Res. 2021;13(5):4544-52.
-1212 Verma S, Yadav P. To study the comparison between oral dydrogesterone and micronized progesterone in threatened miscarriage in terms of pain lower abdomen and bleeding per vaginum. Ann Int Med Dent Res. 2020;7(1):11-5.) The use of dydrogesterone has been correlated with higher pregnancy rate and live birth rate than with micronized progesterone in patients requiring luteal phase support during IVF.(44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
)

Despite the extensive literature on dydrogesterone, studies on dydrogesterone utilization patterns are largely lacking in Indian patients. Therefore, the present study was conducted with objective of assessing the dydrogesterone utilization patterns in various obstetric and gynecological conditions in Indian women at real life scenario. The study also aimed to identify the frequencies of risk factors and co-morbidities in patients receiving dydrogesterone and the concomitant medications.

Methods

This was a multi-center, retrospective, observational, cross-sectional, and descriptive study conducted across 817 centers spanning major urban and rural regions of India. A case report form (CRF) was designed prior to the study and shared with the Obstetricians and Gynecologists across India. Each center was given 10 CRFs. data was filled from the medical records of women ≥ 18 years of age who received dydrogesterone in the past as their standard of care (SOC) for any obstetric or gynecologic condition.

The study subjects received oral dydrogesterone in a dosage considered appropriate by their physician for that condition. The locally approved prescribing information for dydrogesterone is provided in chart 1.(2121 Dydrofem (Dydrogesterone tablets IP 10 mg). Pune: Emcure Pharmaceuticals; 2020.)

Chart 1
Dydrogesterone prescribing information

The following data was retrieved from medical records and filled in the CRFs: demographic details, comorbidities, risk factors, indication, dose, dosing frequency, regimen and duration of treatment of dydrogesterone in various obstetric and gynecological conditions and concomitant treatment used along with the dydrogesterone. All the data from the 817 centers was received at a central facility of the Sponsor, checked for inconsistencies, and entered in Microsoft Excel sheet. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods. Categorical data was represented as frequencies and percentages, while quantitative data was described as mean ± standard deviation (SD) or median with interquartile range (IQR) as appropriate. Given the retrospective nature of the study, informed constent could not be taken from the patients whose data was collected from the medical records. However, the study was conducted according to the Principles of Helsinki. Further, this study was approved by the Deccan Independent Ethics Committee.

Results

Baseline characteristics

Data of 7287 subjects (aged 29.55±4.84 years) who had received dydrogesterone as part of their SOC were included in the study; Demographic details of the subjects, and their obstetric history are captured in (Table 1). Of the subjects, 83.3% were pregnant. A total of 73.8% of subjects had a previous pregnancy loss, and 43.2% of these had experienced early pregnancy bleeding during the previous miscarriage. Other causes of previous pregnancy loss are depicted in (Figure 1).

Figure 1
Causes of previous pregnancy loss
Table 1
Demographic profile of study subjects

Frequency of comorbid conditions in subjects receiving dydrogesterone

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and thyroid disorders were the most common comorbid conditions identified in 23% and 21% of subjects, respectively. Other comorbid conditions identified (Table 2) were anemia and hypertension in 19.9% and 13.3% of subjects, respectively. PCOS (24.7% and 21%), thyroid disorders (24.7% and 24%) and anemia (19.9% and 25%) were the most common comorbid conditions seen in subjects who received dydrogesterone for threatened abortion and recurrent pregnancy loss, respectively. PCOS was the most common comorbid condition in subjects with threatened abortion and anemia was the most common comorbid conditions in subjects with recurrent pregnancy loss. Other comorbid conditions seen in subjects with these two conditions are depicted in (Figure 2).

Figure 2
Common comorbidities in subjects with threatened abortion and recurrent pregnancy loss
Table 2
Risk factors and comorbid conditions identified in subjects prescribed dydrogesterone

Frequency of risk factors identified in subjects receiving dydrogesterone

Prior pregnancy loss was the most common risk factor identified in 27.2% of subjects who received dydrogesterone. Other risk factors identified (Table 2) were advanced maternal age (19.2%) and obesity (16.2%). Prior pregnancy loss (27.4% and 44.2%), advanced maternal age (20.7% and 19.8%) and obesity (15.5% and 19.7%) were the most common risk factors seen in subjects who received dydrogesterone for threatened abortion and recurrent pregnancy loss, respectively. Other risk factors seen in subjects with these two conditions are depicted in (Figure 3).

Figure 3
Common risk factors in subjects with threatened abortion and recurrent pregnancy loss

Dydrogesterone utilization pattern

Indications for dydrogesterone use

Dydrogesterone was most commonly prescribed for obstretrical conditions. Threatened abortion was the most common indication for which the subjects received dydrogesterone (46.9%) followed by recurrent pregnancy loss (27.3%). Dydrohesterone was also prescribed for several gynecological conditions. The most common gynecological condition for which subjects received dydrogesterone was infertility due to luteal phase insufficiency. Other gynecological indications for which the subjects received dydrogesterone are mentioned in (Table 3).

Table 3
Dydrogesterone utilization pattern: indications, frequency, dosage, dosing regime (timing)

Dosage, dosing and regime

Slightly more than one quarter of the subjects (27.5%) received a loading dose of dydrogesterone (n=2007/7287). Of the subjects who received a loading dose, majority (64%) received 40 mg as loading dose (Table 3). The proportion of patients who received dydrogesterone loading dose for different indications are depicted in (Figure 4). Threatened abortion was the most common indication for which a loading dose was used. Most of the subjects (81.4%) received a 10 mg across indications either as maintenance dose or a regular dose (Table 3). Twice daily (BID) was the most common dosing frequency (66.6%).

Figure 4
Proportion of cases by indication who received dydrogesterone loading dose

Concomitant medications received by subjects along with dydrogesterone

The most common concomitant medications being taken by the subjects on along with dydrogesterone included folic acid (45.1%), iron supplements (30.3%) and calcium and vitamin D3 supplements (25.5%). Concomitant medications received by the subjects are captured in (Table 4). Another progesterone preparation (oral, injection, vaginal) other than dydrogesterone was used in 7.8% of subjects.

Table 4
Co-prescription medications for subjects prescribed dydrogesterone

Discussion

Progesterone plays a significant role in the maintenance of a normal menstrual cycle and healthy pregnancy and management of threatened abortion, recurrent pregnancy loss (sequential loss of ≥3 pre-viable pregnancies)(2222 Benson RC. Habitual abortion. Calif Med. 1950;72(6):442-6.) and many other obstetrical and gynecological conditions.(44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
,2323 MacLean JA 2nd, Hayashi K. Progesterone actions and resistance in gynecological disorders. Cells. 2022;11(4):647. doi: 10.3390/cells11040647
https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11040647...
) Progesterone is a key management strategy for providing luteal support during IVF and assisted reproductive technology (ART).(44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
)

Progesterone can be administered through several routes such as oral, intramuscular and vaginal.(44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
) Micronized vaginal progesterone (MVP) capsules can be self-administered, and this is a commonly prescribed, effective and safe method of administering progesterone. However, MVP can cause discomfort due to vaginal irritation and discharge, and may not be culturally acceptable by some women.(44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
)

Oral route of drug administration is the most convenient route for patients.(44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
) Oral progesterone can be prescribed as micronized progesterone and as dydrogesterone. The Lotus I and II trials showed that oral dydrogesterone can be an effective and safe option to MYP.(44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
,2424 Tournaye H, Sukhikh GT, Kahler E, Griesinger G. A Phase III randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy, safety and tolerability of oral dydrogesterone versus micronized vaginal progesterone for luteal support in in vitro fertilization. Hum Reprod. 2017;32(5):1019-27. doi: 10.1093/humrep/dex023
https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/dex023...
) On the other hand, oral micronized progesterone has limited use in clinical practice because it undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism and therefore has low bioavailability.(44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
) Further, literaure shows that compared to other progesterones, oral micronized progesterone use was associated with the highest risk of miscarriage.(1313 Zhao H, He W, Yang Z. A pairwise and network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of progestogens in threatened abortion. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022;156(3):383-93. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13707
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13707...
)

A large cross-sectional study from China (N= 91,464) assessing drug utilization patterns in patients with threatened abortion noted that dydrogesterone prescription rates increased over time from 2014 to 2020 while those of other progesterone preparations decreased over time.(2020 Pang YY, Ma CL. Real-world pharmacological treatment patterns of patients with threatened miscarriage in China from 2014 to 2020: a cross-sectional analysis. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2022;47(2):228-36. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.13536
https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpt.13536...
) Dydrogesterone has become the preferred treatment option in progesterone-deficient obstetric and gynecological conditions due to ease of administering an oral dose, similar or better efficacy and tolerability than micronized progesterone, lower dose due to high bioavailability, and improved outcomes in infertility, threatened abortion and recurrent pregnancy loss.(11 Ott J, Egarter C, Aguilera A. Dydrogesterone after 60 years: a glance at the safety profile. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2022;38(4):279-87. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2021.2016692
https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2021.20...
,44 Griesinger G, Blockeel C, Kahler E, Pexman-Fieth C, Olofsson JI, Driessen S, et al. Dydrogesterone as an oral alternative to vaginal progesterone for IVF luteal phase support: a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2020;15(11):e0241044. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241044
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.024...
,55 Griesinger G, Tournaye H, Macklon N, Petraglia F, Arck P, Blockeel C, et al. Dydrogesterone: pharmacological profile and mechanism of action as luteal phase support in assisted reproduction. Reprod Biomed Online. 2019;38(2):249-59. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.11.017
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.11.0...
,77 Carp H. A systematic review of dydrogesterone for the treatment of recurrent miscarriage. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2015;31(6):422-30. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2015.1006618
https://doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2015.10...
,1010 Barbosa MW, Silva LR, Navarro PA, Ferriani RA, Nastri CO, Martins WP. Dydrogesterone vs progesterone for luteal-phase support: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2016;48(2):161-70. doi: 10.1002/uog.15814
https://doi.org/10.1002/uog.15814...

11 Lou C, Wang C, Zhao Q, Jin F. Effect of dydrogesterone and progesterone on threatened miscarriage due to corpus luteum insufficiency. Am J Transl Res. 2021;13(5):4544-52.

12 Verma S, Yadav P. To study the comparison between oral dydrogesterone and micronized progesterone in threatened miscarriage in terms of pain lower abdomen and bleeding per vaginum. Ann Int Med Dent Res. 2020;7(1):11-5.
-1313 Zhao H, He W, Yang Z. A pairwise and network meta-analysis comparing the efficacy and safety of progestogens in threatened abortion. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2022;156(3):383-93. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.13707
https://doi.org/10.1002/ijgo.13707...
)

Dydrogesterone has been in use for over 60 years with proven efficacy, safety and tolerability profile across multiple obstetrical and gynecological indications.(11 Ott J, Egarter C, Aguilera A. Dydrogesterone after 60 years: a glance at the safety profile. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2022;38(4):279-87. doi: 10.1080/09513590.2021.2016692
https://doi.org/10.1080/09513590.2021.20...
,77 Carp H. A systematic review of dydrogesterone for the treatment of recurrent miscarriage. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2015;31(6):422-30. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2015.1006618
https://doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2015.10...
) Many large studies with threatened abortion (drug utilization study; China; N= 91,464), recurrent pregnancy loss (systematic review; N=509), for luteal support in IVF (dydrogesterone twice daily vs. micronized vaginal progesterone gel vs. oral micronized capsules; India; N=1,373) or ART (dydrogesterone plus micronized vaginal progesterone gel vs. placebo plus micronized vaginal progesterone gel; India; N=498) show that dydrogesterone is the most commonly used and effective and safe progesterone in these indications.(77 Carp H. A systematic review of dydrogesterone for the treatment of recurrent miscarriage. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2015;31(6):422-30. doi: 10.3109/09513590.2015.1006618
https://doi.org/10.3109/09513590.2015.10...
,99 Katalinic A, Shulman LP, Strauss JF, Garcia-Velasco JA, van den Anker JN. A critical appraisal of safety data on dydrogesterone for the support of early pregnancy: a scoping review and meta-analysis. Reprod BioMed Online. 2022;45(2):365-73. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.03.032
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rbmo.2022.03.0...
,2020 Pang YY, Ma CL. Real-world pharmacological treatment patterns of patients with threatened miscarriage in China from 2014 to 2020: a cross-sectional analysis. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2022;47(2):228-36. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.13536
https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpt.13536...
,2525 Patki A, Pawar VC. Modulating fertility outcome in assisted reproductive technologies by the use of dydrogesterone. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2007;23 Suppl 1:68-72. doi: 10.1080/09513590701584857
https://doi.org/10.1080/0951359070158485...
,2626 Ganesh A, Chakravorty N, Mukherjee R, Goswami S, Chaudhury K, Chakravarty B. Comparison of oral dydrogestrone with progesterone gel and micronized progesterone for luteal support in 1,373 women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a randomized clinical study. Fertil Steril. 2011;95(6):1961-5. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.01.148
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.201...
) However, there are no studies on the utilization pattern of dydrogesterone across various obstetric and gynecological conditions in Indian population. This is a large Indian study, that to best of our knowledge, shows the dydrogesterone utilization patterns in 7287 subjects who routinely received dydrogesterone as part of the SOC for their obstetric or gynecological conditions.

This study reported that threatened abortion and recurrent pregnancy loss were the most common indications for which dydrogesterone was used, followed by recurrent pregnancy loss, infertility due to luteal phase insufficiency and luteal phase support as a part of ART. However, there was great variation in the use of the loading dose, dydrogesterone dosage, dosing frequency, regimen, and duration of dydrogesterone across indications.

The study showed that prior pregnancy loss (27.2%), advanced maternal age (19.2) and obesity (16.2%) were the most common risk factors observed in patients who received dydrogesterone. These are also the most common risk factors identified for threatened and recurrent pregnancy loss, which were the most common indications for which subjects received dydrogesterone in this study.(2727 Mouri Mi, Hall H, Rupp TJ. Threatened abortion. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island: StatPearls Publishing; 2022 [cited 2022 Oct 14]. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430747/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430...
) It is important to note that all other risk factors identified (family history, advanced paternal age, associated medical condition, alcohol consumption, defects in the uterine and fallopian tube and smoking) have been associated with any kind of abortion(2727 Mouri Mi, Hall H, Rupp TJ. Threatened abortion. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island: StatPearls Publishing; 2022 [cited 2022 Oct 14]. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430747/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430...
) and infertility,(2828 Deyhoul N, Mohamaddoost T, Hosseini M. Infertility-related risk factors: a systematic review. Int J Womens Health Reprod Sci. 2017;5(1):24-9. doi: 10.15296/ijwhr.2017.05
https://doi.org/10.15296/ijwhr.2017.05...
) the two major indications for prescribing dydrogesterone.

Most of the subjects in this study had a pregnancy complicated by threatened abortion or recurrent pregnancy loss or needed luteal phase support for ART/continuation of pregnancy. In this subject population, PCOS, thyroid disorder, anemia and hypertension were the most commonly observed comorbidities in the subjects of this study. Similar complications were also noted by a large birth cohort study, which reported maternal hypertension, diabetes, thyroid disorders, obesity, asthma, and tobacco use as the most common comorbidities in women prior to and during pregnancy.(2929 Fridman M, Korst LM, Chow J, Lawton E, Mitchell C, Gregory KD. Trends in maternal morbidity before and during pregnancy in California. Am J Public Health. 2014;104 Suppl 1:S49-57. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2013.301583
https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2013.301583...
)

A loading dydrogesterone dose of 40 mg is usually given for threatened abortion.(2121 Dydrofem (Dydrogesterone tablets IP 10 mg). Pune: Emcure Pharmaceuticals; 2020.) However, almost half the subjects (48%) with threatened abortion did not receive a loading dose as per the local prescribing information (Chart 1).(2121 Dydrofem (Dydrogesterone tablets IP 10 mg). Pune: Emcure Pharmaceuticals; 2020.) Similarly, though 40 mg was the most prescribed loading dose (64%), lower loading doses of 20 mg and 30 mg were also used in 19.3% and 15.8% of cases, respectively. Also, loading dose was used for conditions not requiring it as per the local prescribing information such as recurrent pregnancy loss (24%) and infertility due to luteal phase insufficiency (12%).

As per the local prescribing information, dydrogesterone maintenance dose of 20 or 30 mg per day should be prescribed for threatened abortion, while 10 mg to 20 mg should be used across indications that do not require a loading dose (Chart 1). However, this study showed that majority of subjects (81.4%) across indications were on 10 mg dose, used as a maintenance or as continuous/cyclic dose without a loading dose. However, since BID was the most common dosing frequency (66.6%), many patients on 10 mg dose received 20 mg daily, which is in line with the prescribing information.

The study showed that continuous dosing was prescribed in most cases (77.6%). However, dydrogesterone should be prescribed in cyclic dosing for most indications (Chart 1) except in endometriosis and dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB) and as continuous sequential therapy with estrogen in hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

The most common concomitant medications being taken by the subjects on dydrogesterone in this study included folic acid (45.1%), iron supplements (30.3%) and calcium and vitamin D3 supplements (25.5%). This is the first study elaborating the concomitant medication used in different obstetrical and gynecological conditions in Indian women who received dydrogesterone.

This study also showed that 7.8% of patients were prescribed multiple progesterone preparations across indications. The cross-sectional study from China too reported that 12% of patients used multiple progesterone preparations for threatened abortion. Of these, dydrogesterone combinations with injectable and oral progesterones were used by 5.6% and 1.1% of patients, respectively. Combination of oral dydrogesterone with another progesterone for luteal support during ART has been found to reduce miscarriage and improve live birth rate.(3030 Vuong LN, Pham TD, Le KT, Ly TT, Le HL, Nguyen DT, et al. Micronized progesterone plus dydrogesterone versus micronized progesterone alone for luteal phase support in frozen-thawed cycles (MIDRONE): a prospective cohort study. Hum Reprod. 2021;36(7):1821-31. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deab093
https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deab093...
,3131 Xu H, Zhang XQ, Zhu XL, Weng HN, Xu LQ, Huang L, et al. Comparison of vaginal progesterone gel combined with oral dydrogesterone versus intramuscular progesterone for luteal support in hormone replacement therapy-frozen embryo transfer cycle. J Gynecol Obstet Hum Reprod. 2021;50(7):102110. doi: 10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102110
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogoh.2021.102...
)

The study is limited by its retrospective design and the fact that the accuracy of the data collected depended on the physicians. Further, the study had no control on the indications for which dydrogesterone was prescribed or its dose. In-depth analysis by risk factors, comorbid conditions and concomitant medications used was not performed at the time of writing this manuscript. Also, the frequency of risk factors and comorbid conditions identified are for patients who received dydrogesterone as their SOC. Therefore, the frequency and types of risk factors and comorbid conditions identified cannot be generalized.

However, to the best of our knowledge this is the largest (N=7287) and only study assessing the utilization pattern of dydrogesterone in India. The study covered the indications, risk factors, comorbid conditions and concomitant medication used in patients receiving dydrogesterone. The initial analysis showed the utilization practices of dydrogesterone by indication, dose, dosing frequency and regime. Thus, a clear picture of the patient population that usually receives dydrogesterone emerged and could be useful for the physicians for selecting the right patient for dydrogesterone. The study also helped assess the variations in dydrogesterone utilization and thus helped identify knowledge gaps in drug utilization practices of dydrogesterone.

Conclusion

The study helped to gain a better understanding of the Indian patient population receiving dydrogesterone in terms of the common clinical indications, frequently prevalent risk factors and comorbid conditions, and the common concomitant medications used in this patient population at real-life scenario.

Acknowledgements

The authors thank Ms. Rutuja Tope for data management; Dr. Srikant N for statistical analysis; Mr. Rajeev Agarwal, Mr. Unmesh Birje, Mr. Kekunnaya Krishna Prasad, and Mr. Raghavendra Reddy for administrative support; and Dr. Punit Srivastava, and Dr. Kokil Mathur of Mediception Science Pvt. Ltd (www.mediception.com) for providing medical writing support in the preparation of this manuscript.

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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    20 May 2024
  • Date of issue
    2024

History

  • Received
    12 Mar 2023
  • Accepted
    24 July 2023
Federação Brasileira das Sociedades de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia Av. Brigadeiro Luís Antônio, 3421, sala 903 - Jardim Paulista, 01401-001 São Paulo SP - Brasil, Tel. (55 11) 5573-4919 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brazil
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