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Contractility Measurements of Human Uterine Smooth Muscle to Aid Drug Development
Published on: January 26, 2018
Tocolysis with beta-adrenergic receptor agonists
1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco 94014, USA. aaroncaughey@hotmail.com
Seminars in Perinatology
|September 20, 2001
Summary
Beta-adrenergic agonists are FDA-approved for preterm labor but lack proven neonatal benefits. While effective in delaying delivery, newer agents show comparable efficacy with fewer side effects.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Beta-adrenergic receptor agonists have been utilized for tocolysis in preterm labor for over 30 years.
- Ritodrine hydrochloride is the sole U.S. FDA-approved medication for treating preterm labor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and safety of beta-adrenergic agonists in managing preterm labor.
- To compare beta-agonists with other tocolytic agents.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of existing prospective randomized placebo-controlled trials.
- Comparison of beta-agonist outcomes with placebo and newer tocolytic agents.
Main Results:
- Beta-adrenergic agonists demonstrate efficacy in delaying delivery by at least 48 hours compared to controls.
- No significant differences in neonatal outcomes have been observed with beta-agonist use.
- Newer agents like nifedipine, magnesium sulfate, and atosiban show comparable efficacy to beta-agonists but with improved side effect profiles and lower discontinuation rates.
Conclusions:
- Beta-adrenergic agonists remain a common tocolytic agent due to their proven ability to delay delivery.
- Despite their established role, newer tocolytic agents offer potential advantages in terms of tolerability and safety.
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