Intrapartum tocolysis has no effect on fetal lactate concentration.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the fetal metabolic effects of intrapartum maternal tocolysis with terbutaline in the presence of fetal heart rate abnormalities, with a special emphasis on lactate concentration, in view of its potential use as a marker of fetal condition.


METHODS
Descriptive study.


METHODS
Two labour wards, National University Hospital, Singapore, and Ostersund Hospital, Sweden.


METHODS
Eight parturients with abnormal intrapartum fetal heart rate recordings were given bolus i.v. injection of 0.25 mg terbutaline and monitored both before and 20 minutes after treatment.


RESULTS
Maternal venous glucose increased from 5.0 (0.9) (mean (SD)) to 5.6 (1.2) mmol/l (p=0.002) and fetal scalp blood glucose rose from 4.1 (1.8) to 4.7 (1.4) mmol/l (p=0.009) 20 minutes after the injection. No significant change was found in maternal or fetal lactate concentrations.


CONCLUSIONS
Terbutaline tocolysis for "intrauterine resuscitation" does not affect fetal lactate concentration 20 minutes after treatment.
Nordström
L
L
Departments of Obstetrics & Gynaecology South Hospital, S-118 83, Stockholm, Sweden. lennart.nordstrom@kk.sos.sll.se
Chua
S
S
Persson
B
B
Naka
K
K
Arulkumaran
S
S
D000136:Acid-Base Equilibrium; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000378:metabolism*; D006340:Heart Rate, Fetal; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015145:Tocolysis
D001786:Blood Glucose; D019344:Lactic Acid; D013726:Terbutaline