Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Search research articles

Related Experiment Videos

Tocolytics for preterm labor: a systematic review.

K Gyetvai¹, M E Hannah, E D Hodnett

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Obstetrics and Gynecology

|November 5, 1999

Summary

Tocolytics can prolong pregnancy in cases of preterm labor but do not improve perinatal outcomes. These medications also carry risks of adverse maternal side effects, necessitating careful consideration.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Urinary stress incontinence and other maternal outcomes 2 years after caesarean or vaginal birth for twin pregnancy: a multicentre randomised trial.

BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology·2018

Same author

Maternal outcomes at 3 months after planned caesarean section versus planned vaginal birth for twin pregnancies in the Twin Birth Study: a randomised controlled trial.

BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology·2015

Same author

Outcomes of preterm infants <29 weeks gestation over 10-year period in Canada: a cause for concern?

Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association·2011

Same author

The Early External Cephalic Version (ECV) 2 Trial: an international multicentre randomised controlled trial of timing of ECV for breech pregnancies.

BJOG : an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology·2011

Same author

Moderate to severe hemolytic disease of the newborn in a referral centre in Saudi Arabia.

Annals of Saudi medicine·2010

Same author

How accurate are leukocyte indices and C-reactive protein for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis?

Paediatrics & child health·2010

Area of Science:

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Pharmacology

Background:

Preterm labor is a significant concern in obstetrics, posing risks to both neonates and mothers.
Tocolytic agents are commonly used to inhibit uterine contractions and prolong gestation.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the effectiveness of tocolytic medications compared to placebo or no treatment for preterm labor.
To assess the impact of tocolytics on perinatal, neonatal, and maternal outcomes.

Main Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted.
Searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register for relevant studies.
Included 18 RCTs meeting strict inclusion criteria regarding study design and data reporting.

Related Experiment Videos

Main Results:

Tocolytics demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the risk of delivery within 7 days.
Specific tocolytics like betamimetics, indomethacin, atosiban, and ethanol prolonged pregnancy, but magnesium sulfate did not.
No significant improvements in perinatal or neonatal outcomes were observed with tocolytic use.
Maternal side effects included palpitations, nausea, tremor, chorioamnionitis, hyperglycemia, and hypokalemia.

Conclusions:

While tocolytics can extend pregnancy duration, they do not improve perinatal or neonatal health outcomes.
The use of tocolytics in preterm labor is associated with notable adverse maternal effects.