Nifedipine for treatment of preterm labor: a historic prospective study.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether adverse fetal and/or neonatal effects occurred during nifedipine treatment of preterm labor and to assess maternal tolerance of nifedipine therapy in patients intolerant of a beta-sympathomimetic agent.


METHODS
We undertook historic prospective review of medical records of 102 women admitted to an antepartum ward for treatment of preterm labor who received nifedipine. Data were collected regarding maternal side effects, fetal surveillance, and neonatal outcome.


RESULTS
The number and severity of reported maternal side effects were significantly reduced when patients were switched from terbutaline to nifedipine. No discontinuance of nifedipine occurred because of maternal side effects. Fetal surveillance testing and neonatal outcome data failed to reveal deleterious in utero effects of nifedipine.


CONCLUSIONS
Nifedipine was a well-tolerated and safe tocolytic in this population and warrants further investigation.
Murray
C
C
Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver.
Haverkamp
A D
AD
Orleans
M
M
Berga
S
S
Pecht
D
D
D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009543:Nifedipine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000009:adverse effects; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal
D009543:Nifedipine; D013726:Terbutaline