title: The use of atosiban and ritodrine in external cephalic version.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, North Middlesex University Hospital, London, UK.
authors.forename: Iosifina
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Stergiotou
authors.forename: Fleur
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Talbot
authors.forename: Wai
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Yoong
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D015149:Tocolytic Agents; C047046:atosiban; D012312:Ritodrine; D014668:Vasotocin