Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026

08:49
External Cephalic Version: Is it an Effective and Safe Procedure?
Published on: June 6, 2020
16.1K
[Effective tocolysis without β-agonists]
Summary
Withdrawal of beta-mimetics did not increase premature deliveries. Alternative tocolytics showed a slight decline in preterm birth rates, suggesting comparable or improved efficacy in delaying premature delivery.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Beta-mimetics were primary agents for delaying premature delivery.
- Withdrawal of beta-mimetics raised concerns about alternative tocolytic effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of alternative tocolytics against historical beta-mimetic use.
- To analyze trends in premature delivery rates post-beta-mimetic withdrawal.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of premature deliveries at a university hospital.
- Comparison of data from 2013 (beta-mimetic use) and 2014 (alternative tocolytics).
Main Results:
- In 2013, 13.8% of pregnancies treated with beta-mimetics resulted in premature delivery.
- In 2014, 11.8% of pregnancies treated with magnesium, calcium channel blockers, or spasmolytics resulted in premature delivery.
Conclusions:
- No increase in premature delivery rates observed after beta-mimetic cessation.
- A trend towards a decline in premature deliveries suggests alternative tocolytics are effective.
- Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up is recommended.
Related Concept Videos
Depolarizing Blockers: Pharmocokinetics
749
Depolarizing blockers are administered through intravenous injection. Succinylcholine is the most common choice of depolarizing blockers in emergency clinical practices. Although they have a rapid onset, they readily diffuse away from the motor end plate into the extracellular fluid. They are metabolized by enzymes such as liver butyrylcholinesterase and plasma pseudocholinesterases. This produces a short duration of action, typically 5-10 minutes long, unlike nondepolarizing blockers, which...
749
Depolarizing Blockers: Mechanism of Action
3.8K
Depolarizing blockers act on skeletal muscle fibers' membranes and induce their depolarization. Most depolarizing blockers have two quaternary N+ atoms that bind the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and cause neuromuscular blockade within minutes.
Succinylcholine is the most commonly used depolarizing blocker. Chemically, it constitutes two molecules of acetylcholine joined together by an acetate methyl group. They act on the receptors in the same way as acetylcholine. Because...
Succinylcholine is the most commonly used depolarizing blocker. Chemically, it constitutes two molecules of acetylcholine joined together by an acetate methyl group. They act on the receptors in the same way as acetylcholine. Because...
3.8K
Electroconvulsive Therapy
2.4K
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), or shock therapy, remains a critical biomedical intervention for severe, treatment-resistant depression. While its origins can be traced back to Hippocrates' observations that malaria-induced convulsions alleviated mental illness, modern ECT has evolved significantly from its earlier, more primitive applications. First introduced in 1938 by Ugo Cerletti and his colleagues, ECT involves inducing controlled seizures using electrical currents. In its early...
2.4K
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
1.2K
Skeletal muscle relaxants are used to relax muscle tone and alleviate painful muscle contractions. However, the choice of skeletal muscle relaxants depends on the duration of the surgical procedure in order to minimize potential side effects. Skeletal muscle relaxants like neuromuscular blocking agents [NMBAs] are commonly employed as adjuvants alongside general anesthetics in clinical settings. NMBAs are also used to maintain controlled ventilation during surgery of the larynx or pharynx...
1.2K
Nondepolarizing (Competitive) Neuromuscular Blockers: Pharmacological Actions
1.3K
Nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers prevent the membrane depolarization of muscle cells and inhibit muscle contraction. These are usually administered with anesthetics to achieve complete muscle relaxation. Upon administration, these drugs first block the small, rapidly contracting muscles of the face and hands, followed by the larger muscles of the trunk and the intercostal muscles. The diaphragm is the last muscle to be affected.
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...
Although all competitive neuromuscular blockers are designed...
1.3K
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Adverse Effects
1.1K
Skeletal muscle relaxants are widely used for muscle paralysis and relieving pain following any muscle injury or stiffness. However, depending on the drug type, they can have adverse effects that range from mild to severe. Usually, nondepolarizing neuromuscular blockers have minimal side effects. For example, drugs like d-tubocurarine, cisatracurium, and rocuronium cause hypotension, whereas drugs like baclofen, when stopped abruptly, can lead to the recurrence of spastic conditions.
Unlike...
Unlike...
1.1K

