Tocolysis in women with preterm labor between 32 0/7 and 34 6/7 weeks of gestation: a randomized controlled pilot study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to determine whether intravenous magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) followed by oral nifidepine tocolysis in women with preterm labor between 32 0/7 and 34 6/7 weeks' gestation reduces neonatal hospital stay.

STUDY DESIGN:

Fifty-four women between 32 0/7 and 34 6/7 weeks with preterm labor were randomized to receive either MgSO4 and oral nifidepine (n = 24) or no tocolysis (n = 30). All women received betamethasone and prophylactic antibiotics. The primary outcome was total neonatal hospital stay. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Mann Whitney U test.

RESULTS:

The 2 groups had similar mean cervical dilation and gestational age at enrollment. There were no statistically significant differences in total neonatal hospital stay (5.8 +/- 7.2 days; median of 3 days in the no tocolysis vs. 7.5 +/- 8.6 days; median of 3 days in the tocolysis group), rate of preterm delivery (57% vs. 75%) or need for oxygen supplementation (7% vs. 21%, p < 0.23). The neonatal complications were similar in each group.

CONCLUSION:

Tocolysis after 32 weeks gestation does not reduce neonatal hospital stay.

• Authors: Helen Y How, Leila Zafaranchi, Caroline L Stella, Katherine Recht, Rose A Maxwell, Baha M Sibai, Joseph A Spinnato
• Journal: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology (Am J Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 194 Issue 4 Pg. 976-81 (Apr 2006) ISSN: 1097-6868 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 16580286 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Tocolytic Agents
• Magnesium Sulfate
• Nifedipine

Topics

• Adult
• Female
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Infant, Premature
• Length of Stay
• Magnesium Sulfate (therapeutic use)
• Nifedipine (therapeutic use)
• Obstetric Labor, Premature (prevention & control)
• Pilot Projects
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Trimester, Third
• Tocolysis
• Tocolytic Agents (therapeutic use)