Interval to delivery in high-risk patients: do tocolytic agents really work?
Some question whether tocolytic drugs reduce uterine activity and prolong gestation. The interval from discontinuance of tocolytics until spontaneous labor and delivery in patients (n = 69) with documented preterm labor (PTL) versus subjects receiving prophylactic tocolytic therapy (n = 41) was studied. Women with documented PTL delivered sooner after cessation of tocolytics (6.1 +/- 6.9 days) than control (C) patients (14.7 +/- 10.8 days, P less than 0.001). Also, 28 of the 69 (41%) patients in the PTL group delivered within 24 h of discontinuation of tocolysis compared to 4 (10%) in the C group (P less than 0.0004). We conclude that tocolytic therapy for documented preterm labor suppresses uterine activity and when these agents are discontinued, contractions return and labor ensues.
Morrison
J C
JC
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505.
Allbert
J R
JR
Floyd
R C
RC
Bale
C S
CS
Lou
C H
CH
Gookin
K S
KS
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007745:Labor Onset; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*
D015149:Tocolytic Agents