title: Complications of beta-mimetic therapy in preterm labour.
abstract: Selective beta-mimetic drugs are the most frequently used agents for arresting preterm labour. For this purpose these drugs have to be given in high doses for several hours and since they act on several organ systems, side-effects, some of which are potentially dangerous, appear. These hazards, which involve chiefly the cardiovascular and metabolic areas, have been examined in the light of available experience with these drugs. This review considers the possible mechanisms for the side-effects and offers suggestions on how the dangers in the use of beta-mimetic drugs in preterm labour might be avoided.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ingemarsson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arulkumaran
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Kottegoda
mesh_terms: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000139:chemically induced; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D005318:Fetal Heart / Q000187:drug effects; D005323:Fetal Monitoring; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000139:chemically induced; D012306:Risk; D012312:Ritodrine / Q000009:adverse effects; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D007328:Insulin; D012312:Ritodrine; D013726:Terbutaline