Hypertensive crisis associated with ritodrine infusion and betamethasone administration in premature labor

A case is reported of hypertensive crisis associated with treatment of premature labor with intravenous ritodrine hydrochloride and betamethasone. Ritodrine has been in clinical use for over 10 yr in Europe, and recently also in the U.S.A. The drug has proved to be efficient and relatively safe. Yet, a few cases of severe side effects, all related to its effect on the cardiovascular system, have already been reported. The pathophysiology of this episode is unclear, but it is most likely related to the treatment, and should be added to the list of reported side effects of treatment with ritodrine and betamethasone.