DrugLib.com — Drug Information Portal

Rx drug information, pharmaceutical research, clinical trials, news, and more



Feasibility of a randomized controlled trial testing nifedipine vs. placebo for the treatment of preterm labor.

Author(s): Abenhaim HA, Tremblay V, Tremblay L, Audibert F

Affiliation(s): 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universite de Montreal, 3175, Cote-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Publication date & source: 2007, J Perinat Med., 35(4):301-4.

Aims: Nifedipine is believed to be a superior tocolytic agent on the basis of efficacy and side-effect profile, but was never prospectively evaluated in a placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial (RCT). In our study, we sought to identify limitations in participation for a would-be RCT comparing nifedipine to placebo. Methods: A prospective feasibility study was conducted at Ste-Justine Hospital, a tertiary care center, on women between 24 and 34 weeks' gestation, presenting to the labor and delivery room with obstetrical complaints. Patient information was collected and would-be participants were identified on the basis of pre-established clinical and ultrasound criteria as well as on willingness to participate, as determined by the study research nurse. Results: During a 6-month period, 483 women presenting with signs and symptoms of preterm labor (PTL) were eligible for further evaluation. A total of 321 (66.5%) women were excluded for obstetrical and medical reasons whereas 125 (25.9%) did not meet strict inclusion criteria (cervical length <25 mm or positive fetal fibronectin). When using strict criteria, only 37 women (7.6%) were found to be eligible for study participation. Subject willingness to participate as assessed by the research nurse was 50%. Conclusions: If adhering to strict inclusion/exclusion criteria, the feasibility of an appropriately sampled RCT testing tocolytic therapy against a placebo would require a large concerted multicenter effort to meet sample size demands.

Page last updated: 2007-08-04

-- advertisement -- The American Red Cross
 
Home | About Us | Contact Us | Site usage policy | Privacy policy

All Rights reserved - Copyright DrugLib.com, 2006-2017