title: Magnesium sulfate and beta-mimetic dual-agent tocolysis in preterm labor after single-agent failure.
abstract: Twenty-three patients in preterm labor failed to respond to single-agent tocolytic therapy or could not tolerate the dosage necessary to inhibit contractions. A combination of magnesium sulfate and ritodrine or terbutaline was used to inhibit labor in these patients. Fourteen patients (60.9%) responded to dual-agent tocolysis by delaying delivery for 48 hours or more. Six patients had delivery delayed for more than one week. Five patients had multiple gestations; three of them had delivery delayed more than 48 hours. Five patients developed pulmonary edema under treatment with dual-agent tocolysis; all responded to diuretic and/or oxygen therapy after the termination of tocolysis. Dual-agent tocolysis may significantly prolong some pregnancies complicated by preterm labor, but only at some risk to maternal well-being.
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Ogburn
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Hansen
authors.forename: P P
authors.initials: PP
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Butler
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Joseph
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Julian
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D002821:Chorioamnionitis / Q000209:etiology; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000139:chemically induced
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D008278:Magnesium Sulfate