Tocolytic efficacy of nifedipine versus ritodrine in preterm labor

Abstract

In India the rate of preterm birth is high (9.5%). Adequate neonatal intensive care facilities are available but fairly skewed in their location. Various agents and different routes have been tried for the management of preterm labor. This study was conducted over a period of one year in a teaching hospital in Surat India to evaluate the safety and efficacy profile of nifedipine and ritodrine in the management of preterm labor. A randomized non-controlled trial design was used. Seventy consecutive women with symptoms of preterm labor and fulfilling designated inclusion criteria were recruited with 35 women (odd numbers) being allocated to ritodrine group and 35 (even numbers) to nifedipine group. Informed consent was taken and the study was approved by the Hospital Ethics Committee. In group A women received intravenous ritodrine followed by oral ritodrine for 72 h. In group B nifedipine was administered orally for 72 h. Subjects with less than 34 weeks gestation received injection betamethasone 12 mg in 2 doses 12 h apart. Uterine activity cessation and maternal side effects were noted. The dosage schedules for nifedipine and ritodrine were based on the recommendations of King et al. and Arias et al. respectively. (excerpt)