Ritodrine therapy in the presence of chronic abruptio placentae

Betamimetic therapy is usually contraindicated for the treatment of premature labor associated with abruptio placentae. We report prolongation of a pregnancy for 7 weeks using ritodrine despite the presence of placental abruption.

A 33-year-old primigravid woman presented at 25 weeks' gestation with irregular uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding, and sonographic evidence of abruptio placentae. Port wine-colored amniotic fluid was found during amniocentesis, and serial hematocrits decreased from 36 to 25%. A diagnosis of abruptio placentae was made, and because the maternal cardiovascular and fetal biophysical indices were normal, tocolytic therapy was started. Before the administration of ritodrine, the patient and her husband were given an extensive review of the risks, including blood transfusion, adult respiratory distress syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, and maternal or fetal death.

Although clinical suspicion of abruptio placentae remains a contraindication to betamimetic therapy, exceptions may be made if fetal and maternal well-being can be monitored and if a fully staffed operating room is always available for immediate cesarean delivery. The benefits of this management may outweigh the associated risks for carefully chosen, very preterm gestations.