The use of atosiban and ritodrine in external cephalic version.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of atosiban and ritodrine as tocolytic agents for successful external cephalic version (ECV). Factors affecting the success of ECV, as well as maternal and perinatal outcomes are reviewed.


METHODS
A retrospective review of women who underwent ECV with either atosiban (2004) or ritodrine (2002).


RESULTS
Atosiban and ritodrine were similarly effective (28 versus 41%, p>0.05). Side effects were more common with ritodrine. No significant adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes were recorded following procedures with either tocolytic.


CONCLUSIONS
Atosiban is a safe choice for ECV with less maternal side effects. However, it is no more effective than ritodrine and the benefit of safety has to be balanced against that of cost.
Stergiotou
Iosifina
I
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK.
Talbot
Fleur
F
Yoong
Wai
W
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D008131:London; D007752:Obstetric Labor, Premature / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012312:Ritodrine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015149:Tocolytic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014668:Vasotocin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014710:Version, Fetal
D015149:Tocolytic Agents; C047046:atosiban; D012312:Ritodrine; D014668:Vasotocin