Intravenous tocolysis with Bryophyllum pinnatum is better tolerated than beta-agonist application.
OBJECTIVE
To compare tolerability and tocolytic outcome between i.v. infused plant extract, Bryophyllum pinnatum, and beta-agonists.


METHODS
In a retrospective study, 67 pairs of pregnant women in preterm labor treated with intravenous B. pinnatum or beta-agonists were closely matched for maternal age, gestational age at tocolysis, CTG recorded contractions, cervical effacement, preterm premature rupture of the membranes, and history of preterm labor. Endpoints were prolongation of pregnancy, gestational age at delivery, pre- and postpartum duration of hospitalization, maternal tolerability, neonatal outcome and morbidity.


RESULTS
Pregnant women with B. pinnatum and beta-agonists were equal in the prolongation of pregnancy (6.2 versus 5.4 days, NS), the gestaional age at delivery (38.0 versus 37.1 weeks, NS) and the duration of hospitalisations, but had less adverse effects (34.3 versus 55.2% with palpitation or dyspnea, P=0.02). The neonatal outcome and morbidity in the B. pinnatum group were equal or better (oxygen use 10.4 versus 44.8%, P<0.001; respiratory distress syndrome 4.5 versus 19.4%, P=0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
In the management of preterm labor B. pinnatum is no less effective than beta-agonists, but is significantly better tolerated.
Plangger
Nathalie
N
Zurich University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
Rist
Lukas
L
Zimmermann
Roland
R
von Mandach
Ursula
U
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D029627:Crassulaceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D010936:Plant Extracts; D015149:Tocolytic Agents