[Tocolysis with nifedipine: its use in current practice]

Abstract

Objectives: To assess tocolysis with nifedipine in preterm labour during actual clinical practice in terms of efficacy and safety.

Patients and methods: Retrospective observational study during two years including preterm labour between 26 and 33+6 weeks of amenorrhea. Preterm labour was defined by the presence of three or more uterine contractions in 10 minutes associated to cervical modifications diagnosed by vaginal sonography (length<or=25 mm). Patients were excluded if they had more than two fetuses or other gestational pathologies. Tocolysis resulted in oral taking of 30 mg of nifedipine (3x10 mg) with continuous follow-up of blood pressure. Tocolysis was modified when contractions did not disappear. Success was defined when delivery was delayed more than 48 hours. Failure was defined either by a delivery occurring in the first two days of tocolysis or when a modification of treatment was required.

Results: Fifty-eight patients were included, 10 of whom having a twin pregnancy. Success was obtained in 84% of patients (49/58). All of these women did not deliver during the first seven days after introduction of tocolysis. Five patients delivered in the first two days after tocolysis and four others required a change in tocolysis. Mean gestational age at delivery was 37+5 weeks and 35 weeks for single and twin pregnancies, respectively. No maternal or fetal side effects were described.

Discussion and conclusion: Nifedipine could be prescribed for tocolysis in actual clinical practice because it seems to have safety and excellent tolerance.