The addition of indomethacin to betamimetics for tocolysis: any benefit for the neonate?
OBJECTIVE
To study the influence on the neonate of indomethacin administered to the mother as an additional tocolytic.


METHODS
The neonatal outcome in 76 closely matched low birth weight infants was compared retrospectively: those whose mothers received indomethacin together with betamimetics formed the study group, those whose mothers received only betamimetics formed the control group.


RESULTS
There was an increased incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the study group (97% versus 45%; P<0.001), an increased need for surfactant use (68% versus 26%; P<0.001) and increased ventilatory support, and an increased incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (47% versus 24%; P=0.03). Gestation could not be prolonged significantly by the addition of indomethacin.


CONCLUSIONS
Indomethacin as an additional tocolytic agent was associated with an increased incidence of RDS, surfactant use and BPD but did not significantly prolong gestation.
Van Overmeire
B
B
Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium. Bart.Van.Overmeire@uza.uia.ac.be
Slootmaekers
V
V
De Loor
J
J
Buytaert
P
P
Hagendorens
M
M
Sys
S U
SU
Van Reempts
P J
PJ
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000139:chemically induced; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000187:drug effects*; D016015:Logistic Models; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects*; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012312:Ritodrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D012312:Ritodrine; D007213:Indomethacin