Treatment of general uterine spasm with a beta-sympathomimetic tocolytic, fenoterol hydrobromide (Partusisten)

Premature separation of the placenta is, in most cases, accompanied by tetania uteri. In this situation caesarean section is generally the right choice of treatment. The authors present five selected and carefully monitored cases where intravenous use of a beta-sympathomimetic drug (fenoterol) eliminated the uterine spasm and rhythmic uterine contractions developed. Accordingly, this therapy is a realistic alternative to caesarean section in the treatment of tetania uteri if the patient is in good general condition not necessitating emergency surgery.