Tocolysis
Methods to arrest preterm labor include bed rest and tocolytics. The most widely used tocolytic drugs are magnesium sulfate, beta-mimetics, calcium channel blockers, and prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors. Recently, atosiban (an oxytocin analog) and nitric oxide donor drugs have been used.
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Magnesium sulfate is frequently used as a first-line drug for tocolysis, particularly in patients with diabetes. It is initiated by a loading dose of 4-6 g intravenously, followed by a continuous maintenance dose of 2-4 g per hour, in an attempt to achieve serum concentrations of 6-8 mg/dL. After successful tocolysis, oral beta-adrenergic agents are usually used until near term (approximately 36 weeks). Deep-tendon reflexes should be checked routinely to ensure their presence, and fluid intake and output should be monitored because pulmonary edema can occur with this agent. Fetal serum levels equilibrate with maternal concentrations, and occasional transient depression caused by hypermagnesemia in newborns has been reported. Long-term magnesium therapy markedly increases calcium losses, which could ultimately affect bone mineralization.
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Calcium channel blocking drugs are used because of their ability to cause a decrease in intracellular free calcium and, hence, inhibition of myometrial contractility. In all studies, nifedipine was more successful or as good as ritodrine in stopping contractions. These adverse effects include hypercapnia, hypoxia, and acidosis.
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Beta-adrenergic tocolysis is usually initiated by the parenteral route either by a continuous intravenous infusion, titrating the infusion rate against contractions and side effects, or the intermittent intramuscular or subcutaneous approach. After cessation of uterine contractions, oral medication is often used in a dose and at a frequency that results in a mild maternal tachycardia until near term.
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Maternal side effects, such as hypotension, excessive tachycardia or cardiac arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia, and pulmonary edema, may be serious. Strict intake and output of fluids are necessary while the patient is on intravenous therapy and for 24 hours thereafter. Fluid restriction to less than 2,500 mL/d is recommended. Colloid osmotic pressure determinations may be useful because pulmonary edema is rare if the colloid osmotic pressure is above 15 mm Hg. Any symptoms of significant chest pain should be evaluated by electrocardiographic studies and should lead to a search for evidence of myocardial ischemia. Hypokalemia and hyperglycemia tend to revert toward normality after 24-36 hours of treatment, but they can be a significant problem if superimposed on underlying abnormal carbohydrate metabolism.
The benefits of pregnancy prolongation with the use of beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists are not clearly proven beyond the initial 24-48 hours. Several meta-analyses show that beta-mimetics given to prevent preterm birth delay delivery no more than 36-48 hours.
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Prostaglandin synthetase inhibitors have been reported to be effective tocolytic agents in isolated reports. Concern related to adverse fetal effects, however, has limited their use to patients who are early in gestation and are showing signs of difficulty. Narrowing of the ductus arteriosus has been observed in some pregnancies during their use, and oligohydramnios may be induced after a few days. It has been suggested that the effect on the ductus is less evident before 32 weeks of pregnancy. Importantly, long-term use is associated with pulmonary hypertension. Thus, if these agents are used, it is recommended that they be used only at 20-32 weeks, for only 1-3 days, and that the fetus and amniotic fluid volume be evaluated daily.
Atosiban, an oxytocin inhibitor, competitively inhibits oxytocin. Its use in humans is currently experimental; therefore, its benefit is still unproved.
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