17P (17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate) is a prescribed medication that has been shown to reduce the risk for recurrent spontaneous preterm birth. This latest study, which was conducted in collaboration with clinicians from the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine and examined data collected from 2006 to 2011, showed that patients who received 17P administration nursing and care management services had a 43% lower risk for SPTD than women who received 17P injections at their physicians? offices. Apart from SPTD, the study controlled for significant obstetrical risk factors between the two groups of patients, and data will be presented on February 9 as part of a poster series on issues affecting maternal and fetal health at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine?s (SMFM) Annual Conference in Dallas.

?Finding ways to prevent SPTD is important for parents, physicians and health plans,? said lead study author, Victor Hugo Gonzalez-Quintero, MD, MPH. In the United States, about 12.8 percent of babies (more than half a million each year) are born prematurely according to a 2008 National Vital Statistics Report. ?Identifying better ways to prevent preterm deliveries means that thousands of mothers will deliver babies closer to full term, which may in turn lead health plans to reduce costs. Alere?s 17P Administration Nursing program is convenient for both patients and physicians. It not only provides one-on-one education and support, but also promotes compliance with physicians? prescribed treatment plans,? added Gonzalez-Quintero.

As part of Alere Health?s 17P administration and nursing care management program, enrolled patients receive a range of services that include: an initial in-home patient education session with an experienced OB nurse; educational materials related to pregnancy, 17P, and the signs and symptoms of preterm labor; weekly visits from skilled OB nurses to assess maternal health as well as the home administration of the drug. Patients have access to nurses on a 24/7 basis to ask questions and address concerns. The service also includes clinical communication and care coordination with patients? physicians and/or case managers.

?With over 28 years? experience managing more than 750,000 high-risk pregnancies, as well as a nationwide network of OB nurse specialists available 24/7, Alere clinicians are experts in finding solutions that improve maternal health,? stated Gregg Raybuck, President, Alere Women?s & Children?s Health. ?Through research and studies such as this one, we will continue to develop strategies that can help physicians and health plans ensure that mothers and their babies remain healthy while effectively managing costs.?

About Alere

Alere Health is the health management services business of Alere Inc. (previously Inverness Medical Innovations). Alere, a Latin verb, meaning ?to care for? or ?to support, ?offers the most patient-centered health management services available from a single provider in the industry. Alere provides health interventions that cover an individual?s entire lifespan, from pre-cradle to end-of-life care, as well as the continuum from wellness and prevention, to total health management of the individual for those having chronic illnesses. Alere?s continuum of services begins with genetic testing, preconception, pregnancy, NICU and first year of life services; continues with lifelong programs focused on health, wellness and the management of chronic conditions such as Heart Failure, COPD, and Asthma, up to the complex care management required in end-of-life care. For more information regarding Alere, please visit www.alere.com.

Note to reporters: Copies of poster presentation available upon request.

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