Neonatal neurodevelopmental outcomes following tocolysis with glycerol trinitrate patches.
OBJECTIVE
The object of this study was to determine the effects of maternal tocolysis with glycerol trinitrate (GTN) patches on the neurodevelopment of infants.


METHODS
This was a randomized, multicenter, controlled trial comparing the efficacy of GTN patches with standard beta2 agonist as tocolytic therapy. The previously reported outcomes of this study indicated no difference in neonatal mortality or morbidity to hospital discharge. One hundred fifty-six surviving infants from 2 Australian centers were psychometrically assessed using the Griffiths Mental development Scales (revised) at 18 months of age.


RESULTS
There was no difference in psychometric performance between those infants enrolled in either the GTN (81 infants) or beta2 agonist (75 infants) arm of the study.


CONCLUSIONS
This randomized trial supports no significant difference between GTN patches in comparison with standard beta2 agonist for tocolytic therapy. The results underscore the association between premature labor and adverse infant outcomes.
Gill
Andrew
A
Mothers and Babies Research Centre, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.
Madsen
Gemma
G
Knox
Marianna
M
Bisits
Andrew
A
Giles
Warwick
W
Tudehope
David
D
Rogers
Yvonne
Y
Smith
Roger
R
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000420:Albuterol / Q000494:pharmacology; D002657:Child Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007360:Intelligence; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control; D011247:Pregnancy; D011594:Psychometrics; D012312:Ritodrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D015145:Tocolysis / Q000379:methods
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D005996:Nitroglycerin; D012312:Ritodrine; D000420:Albuterol