Tocolysis for preterm labor: expert opinion

Irène Hösli1, Christiane Sperschneider, Gero Drack

  • 1Committee for Quality Assurance, Swiss Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Inselspital, Effingerstrasse 102, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.

Tocolysis is an important treatment in the improvement of outcome in preterm labor and preterm birth, provided that its use follows clear evidence-based recommendations. In this expert opinion, the most recent evidence about efficacy and side effects of different tocolytics is being reviewed and evidence-based recommendation about diagnosis and treatment of preterm labor is given. Further aspects such as progesterone administration or antibiotic treatment for the prevention of preterm birth are included. Our review demonstrates that an individualized choice of different tocolytics and additional treatments is necessary to improve short- and long-term neonatal outcome in preterm labor and preterm birth.