The interval to spontaneous delivery following discontinuation of maintenance tocolysis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the interval to spontaneous delivery following discontinuation of continuous subcutaneous terbutaline (SQT).


METHODS
Singleton and twin gestations receiving outpatient preterm labor management services with SQT were identified from a database. Patients having SQT discontinued at 33.0-35.9 weeks (in a stable condition, not hospitalized and with known cervical status at discontinuation) with subsequent spontaneous labor and delivery were included (n = 1420). Data were compared by gestation type, week of SQT discontinuation and cervical dilatation using Kruskal-Wallis and Fisher's exact test analyses (p < 0.05 statistically significant).


RESULTS
Spontaneous preterm delivery occurred in 63.0% of singletons and 87.9% of twins. Although stable at SQT discontinuation, 32.5% of singletons and 59.9% of twins delivered within three days. The interval from discontinuation of SQT to delivery was less for twin than singleton gestations (5.1 +/- 6.5 vs. 11.0 +/- 10.5 days, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS. Preterm discontinuation of SQT should be avoided if additional pregnancy prolongation is desired.
Jones
J Stephen
JS
Abbott Northwestern Hospital, Minnesota Perinatal Physicians, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Morrison
John
J
Istwan
Niki
N
Rhea
Debbie
D
Collins
Ann
A
Stanziano
Gary
G
D000328:Adult; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D012042:Registries; D013726:Terbutaline / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D013997:Time Factors; D015145:Tocolysis; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D014427:Twins
D015149:Tocolytic Agents; D013726:Terbutaline