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.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505.
J C
JC
Morrison
J R
JR
Allbert
R C
RC
Floyd
C S
CS
Bale
C H
CH
Lou
K S
KS
Gookin
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