title: Randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled pilot study assessing nitroglycerin as a tocolytic.
abstract: Thirty-three women in preterm labour were randomised in a double-blind fashion to receive either transdermal nitroglycerin (n = 17) or placebo (n = 16). Both groups had significant (P < 0.001) change in the cervix prior to randomisation. The primary outcome measure was delivery within 48 hours of randomisation. Fewer women randomised to nitroglycerin treatment (6/17) were delivered within 48 hours, compared with the placebo treatment (10/16) (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.27 to 1.19). This pilot study lends support to two case series published that suggest that transdermal nitroglycerin may be promising as a safe, effective means for tocolysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: G N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: McGrath
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D005996:Nitroglycerin