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Updated: Sep 2, 2025
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A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
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Tocolytics for delaying preterm birth: a network meta-analysis (0924)
Amie Wilson1, Victoria A Hodgetts-Morton1, Ella J Marson1
1Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|August 10, 2022
Summary
This study found that tocolytic drugs, including betamimetics and calcium channel blockers, are likely effective in delaying preterm birth. However, these drugs also carry risks of adverse effects, with some more likely to cause treatment cessation.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacology
- Neonatal Medicine
Background:
- Preterm birth is a leading cause of neonatal mortality.
- Tocolytic drugs aim to delay birth, enabling interventions like corticosteroids and magnesium sulfate.
- Effectiveness and safety of tocolytic drugs remain areas of uncertainty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the relative effectiveness of different tocolytic drug classes in delaying preterm birth.
- To assess the safety profiles of various tocolytic agents.
- To rank available tocolytic drugs based on efficacy and safety.
Main Methods:
- A network meta-analysis of 122 randomized controlled trials (13,697 women) was conducted.
- Included studies assessed tocolytic drugs versus placebo or no treatment.
- GRADE methodology was used to rate the certainty of evidence.
Main Results:
- All assessed tocolytic classes likely delay preterm birth by 48 hours and 7 days compared to placebo.
- Nitric oxide donors and calcium channel blockers showed higher rankings for delaying birth.
- Tocolytic use is associated with adverse effects; betamimetics and combination therapies may lead to treatment cessation.
Conclusions:
- Tocolytic drugs are probably effective in delaying preterm birth, but carry risks of adverse effects.
- Certain agents like calcium channel blockers may offer benefits for neonatal outcomes.
- Further research is needed to clarify effects on neonatal mortality and infection rates.
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