[Acute pulmonary edema caused by tocolytic therapy with salbutamol].
BACKGROUND
Acute pulmonary edema may be induced by beta 2-mimetics used for tocolysis.


METHODS
A 41-year-old patient, admitted for preterm labor, presented acute pulmonary edema after parenteral tocolysis using salbutamol in combination with corticosteroid therapy to improve fetal pulmonary maturation.


CONCLUSIONS
The pathogenic mechanism is essentially non-cardiologic. Fluid retention is probably the main cause, potentially worsened by corticosteroid administration. If detected early, pulmonary edema is usually and adequately treated by cessation of beta 2-sympathomimetic therapy, oxygen administration and diuretics. Mechanical ventilation can be required. Cardiac function must be assessed after this complication. In preterm labor, the duration of tocolysis with beta 2-sympatomimetics should be reduced.
Service de Réanimation polyvalente, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, F 97261 Fort-de-France, Martinique. jndrault@sasi.fr
J N
JN
Drault
S
S
Kaidomar
B
B
Schaub
H
H
Mehdaoui
A
A
Herbland
E
E
Cidolit
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000420:Albuterol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000139:chemically induced*; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*
D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D000420:Albuterol