Effect of tocolysis on incidence of low birth weight

Tocolysis was attempted in only 2.5% of 570 consecutive low birth weight deliveries in the years 1980 through 1981. The reasons for rejecting therapy in the majority of cases are discussed. Prospectively, tocolysis was attempted in only 13.8% of all patients in preterm labor, with an 82% success rate. If tocolytic therapy were not used, and a calculation made with allowance for usually acceptable false diagnosis and failure rate, the general low birth weight rate would rise minimally and insignificantly (P = 1.4). It is concluded that availability of tocolytic agents must not be expected to lower the overall low birth weight rate, although it will benefit the appropriately selected individual patient.