title: Continuous long-term intravenous beta-sympathomimetic tocolysis.
abstract: This report concerns the clinical course and outcome of 16 patients treated by continuous long-term intravenous beta-sympathomimetic tocolysis (greater than or equal to 1 week's intravenous therapy). Half of the patients received such therapy for at least 5 weeks. Intravenous tocolysis was adjusted to decrease uterine activity and maintain a satisfactory pulse and blood pressure. Parenteral tocolysis was continued until there was a successful transition to oral therapy, until fetal maturity, or until maternal/fetal indications for delivery were noted. Data indicate that the cardiovascular and metabolic effects were pronounced mostly during the first 3 to 4 days of therapy and then returned toward pretreatment values. In none of the study patients was the treatment discontinued because of drug-related problems, electrocardiogram changes, chorioamnionitis, or fever. The experience indicates that, in a selected group of patients and under close supervision, continuous long-term intravenous beta-sympathomimetic tocolysis may be considered a safe therapeutic modality able to prolong pregnancy with a more desirable outcome.
authors.forename: W C
authors.initials: WC
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Katz
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Kitzmiller
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Gill
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D001623:Betamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007567:Jaundice, Neonatal / Q000453:epidemiology; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000453:epidemiology; D012312:Ritodrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D001623:Betamethasone; D012312:Ritodrine