Pulmonary edema induced by betamimetic drugs

Abstract

We present six cases of pulmonary edema related to betamimetic (beta sympathomimetic amine) agents (three to ritodrine and three to terbutaline). The hemodynamic data from three patients suggest that this may be a form of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. A seventh case, resulting in a maternal death, is included because of the association with ritodrine therapy and the instructive complications of invasive monitoring. We also propose an outline for the management of betamimetic-drug-induced pulmonary edema.