The occurrence of adverse events in women receiving continuous subcutaneous terbutaline therapy.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of serious adverse events in patients receiving continuous subcutaneous terbutaline after arrested preterm labor.


METHODS
Women with singleton, twin, and triplet pregnancies prescribed continuous subcutaneous terbutaline were studied. Electronic patient records were reviewed for patient tolerance of medication and serious adverse events. The primary study outcome was the frequency of serious adverse events.


RESULTS
Available for analysis were 9359 patient records. Transient medication side effects were reported by 1447 (15.5%) patients. Severe adverse events were identified on 12 patients either during treatment with continuous subcutaneous terbutaline (n=4), or after discontinuation of outpatient treatment (n=8). The most frequent serious adverse event was pulmonary edema (n=9). There was no maternal mortality.


CONCLUSIONS
Continuous subcutaneous terbutaline infusion was associated with an extremely low incidence of serious adverse events. Patients with comorbidities and/or concomitant tocolysis with intravenous magnesium sulfate should be closely assessed for development of serious adverse events.
Elliott
John P
JP
Phoenix Perinatal Associates, Good Samaritan Medical Center, 1111 East McDowell, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA. john_elliott@obstetrix.com
Istwan
Niki B
NB
Rhea
Debbie
D
Stanziano
Gary
G
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D013726:Terbutaline