Abstract

Background: Preterm labour and delivery remains a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality in the developing world. Numerous drugs and interventions have been used to prevent and inhibit the preterm labour but none have been found to be completely effective with the choice being further limited by their side effects profile. Tocolysis, the pharmacological inhibition of uterine contractions, is currently the treatment for preventing PTL.

Objectives: To assess the efficacy and pregnancy outcome of nifedipine in the treatment of preterm labour and to evaluate the maternal and fetal adverse effects associated with nifedipine.

Methods: This is a prospective randomized study, 100 antenatal cases with 28 to below 37 weeks of gestation with painful intermittent uterine contractions associated with cervical changes were considered for the study. They were given oral nifedipine and monitored for cessation of uterine contractions. Maternal and fetal side effects were also noted. The main outcomes include prolongation of pregnancy, maternal side effects and neonatal outcome.

Results: The mean prolongation of pregnancy was 30.41 days. Success rate with Nifedipine was found to be 92.8%. Significant maternal side effects such as hypotension and tachycardia were seen only in 2 patients. Facial flushing was the most common side effect observed in the study group.15% of the patients exhibited fetal tachycardia.  90% of the neonates had an apgar score of above 7 at 5 minutes with no incidence of neonatal morality or morbidity.

Conclusions: Nifedipine is a cost - effective, safe tocolytic agent with minimal adverse effects.

Keywords: Preterm labour; Tocolysis; Nifedipine.

Dr S .V. Nachiketha 

Associate Professor, Department of Obg.

KIMS Hubli, Karnataka, India