Tocolysis in women with preterm labor between 32 0/7 and 34 6/7 weeks of gestation: a randomized controlled pilot study.

Author(s): How HY, Zafaranchi L, Stella CL, Recht K, Maxwell RA, Sibai BM, Spinnato JA

Affiliation(s): Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

Publication date & source: 2006-04, Am J Obstet Gynecol., 194(4):976-81.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether intravenous magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) followed by oral nifidepine tocolysis in women with preterm labor between 32 0/7 and 34 6/7 weeks' gestation reduces neonatal hospital stay. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-four women between 32 0/7 and 34 6/7 weeks with preterm labor were randomized to receive either MgSO4 and oral nifidepine (n = 24) or no tocolysis (n = 30). All women received betamethasone and prophylactic antibiotics. The primary outcome was total neonatal hospital stay. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Mann Whitney U test. RESULTS: The 2 groups had similar mean cervical dilation and gestational age at enrollment. There were no statistically significant differences in total neonatal hospital stay (5.8 +/- 7.2 days; median of 3 days in the no tocolysis vs. 7.5 +/- 8.6 days; median of 3 days in the tocolysis group), rate of preterm delivery (57% vs. 75%) or need for oxygen supplementation (7% vs. 21%, p < 0.23). The neonatal complications were similar in each group. CONCLUSION: Tocolysis after 32 weeks gestation does not reduce neonatal hospital stay.