Ritodrine in the treatment of preterm labour: a study of 213 patients

In a study of 213 patients with diagnosed, uncomplicated preterm labour up to 33 weeks gestation, intravenous followed by oral ritodrine (Yutopar) was found to be an effective treatment. Success rate was related to Bishop score at commencement of therapy, the mean time to delivery being 36.9 days. It was greater than or equal to 56 days in 26.5% of patients and greater than or equal to 2 days in 91%. Relapse rate was low if infusion was followed by an adequate oral dosage. Concurrent signs and symptoms were seen in a third of patients but drug withdrawal was only necessary in seven. There was no significant difference in the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome between the infants of patients treated with ritodrine alone and those of patients treated with ritodrine plus steroids.