Nitric oxide for treatment of threatened preterm labor.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of our study was the assessment of effectiveness of nitroglycerin as a donor of nitric oxide, administered in the form of transdermal therapeutic system, applied in the treatment of threatening preterm labor.


METHODS
The study was carried out on 30 pregnant patients with the symptoms of threatening preterm labor between 27th and 34th week of gestation. The patients were given nitroglycerin in the form of transdermal system releasing 5 mg of nitroglycerin in 24 h.


RESULTS
In our study the decrease in contractility and relaxation of uterus was observed in all obstetric patients. No changes in the fetal pulse rate and cardiotocographic tracing in the course of treatment and after completing treatment were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Nitroglycerin in the form of transdermal therapeutic system releasing nitric oxide may be an effective and safe tocolytic drug, however, further investigation needs to be performed.
Leszczynska-Gorzelak
B
B
Department of Obstetrics and Perinatology, University School of Medicine in, Lublin, Poland.
Laskowska
M
M
Marciniak
B
B
Oleszczuk
J
J
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D015148:Cardiotocography; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects
D020030:Nitric Oxide Donors; D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D005996:Nitroglycerin