Betamimetics for suspected impaired fetal growth

Betamimetic drugs may promote fetal growth by increasing the availability of nutrients and by decreasing vascular resistance. They may also induce adverse effects via their effects on carbohydrate metabolism.

The objective of this review was to assess the effects of betamimetic therapy for suspected impaired fetal growth on fetal growth and perinatal outcome.

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. Date of the latest search: December 1999.

Randomised trials of betamimetic therapy compared with no betamimetic therapy or placebo in women with suspected impaired fetal growth.

Eligibility and trial quality was assessed.

Two studies of 118 women were included. No differences were found between the betamimetic groups and the control groups for low birth weight (relative risk 1.17, 95% confidence interval 0.75 to 1.83), other anthropometric or neonatal morbidity and mortality measures.

There is not enough evidence to evaluate the use of betamimetics in promoting fetal growth. Larger studies are needed to investigate possible adverse effects of long-term betamimetic administration.