A Comparative Study of Transdermal Nitroglycerine Patch and Oral Nifedipine in Preterm Labor

Abstract

Background: Currently, the main goal for the use of tocolytic therapy is to delay the birth so as to allow the use of corticosteroids for accelerating fetal lung maturity and maternal transfer to a tertiary care center and thereby reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality. Aims and Objectives: The aims amd objectives were to compare the safety and efficacy of transdermal nitroglycerine patch with oral nifedipine as a tocolytic agent to arrest preterm labor and prevent preterm birth. Materials and Methods: Based on the selection criteria, 50 patients were selected randomly in Group A and Group B. Group A women were given transdermal nitroglycerin patch, which delivered 10 mg Nitroglycerin (NTG) over 24 h and it was applied to the woman's abdomen followed by another patch of 10 mg after 1 h if contractions persisted. After 24 h, it was replaced by a fresh patch. Group B women were given an oral loading dose of nifedipine 20 mg followed by a similar dose if contractions persisted after 1 h. A maintenance dose of 10 mg thrice daily was given if contractions were suppressed. Patients were monitored from the time of admission to the time of discharge. Results: The mean duration of prolongation of pregnancy in Group B (3.68 ± 1.91 days) was significantly more than Group A (2.78 ± 1.39 days). Headache was seen significantly more in Group A (42%) than group B (6%). Tachycardia, hypotension, and palpitation showed no statistically significant difference between them. There was no statistically significant difference in the birth weight of the babies in both the groups. Conclusion: Nifedipine is a safe and effective drug in prolonging preterm labor and has minimal maternal and neonatal side effects.

Which One Is Better for Tocolysis in Pre-Term Labor?: Oral Nifedipine vs Transder-Mal Nitroglycerin Patch

“…Comparison of cervical dilatation at the time of reporting for the study showed that the p value is >0.05 indicating that there is no significant difference in cervical dilatation at the time of reporting in both the study groups. In the study by Kaur P et al (2021) [16], found different results from our study. At >3 cm cervical dilation the mean prolongation of pregnancy in NTG group was 2.11±0.32 days whereas in nifedipine group it was 3.6±1.97 days.…”

A Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Transdermal Nitroglycerine Patches and Oral Nifedipine in Prolongation of Pregnancy in Women With Preterm Labour

“…The observed results were comparable in both groups, with no statistical significance. Studies by Kaur et al [ 19 ], Jamil et al [ 22 ], and Dhawle et al [ 16 ] also reported that low birth weight was the most common neonatal outcome in both groups. There was no statistical significance in neonatal outcomes in either group in any of the above-mentioned studies.…”

“…The most common adverse effect in our study in the nitroglycerine group and the nifedipine group was headache (41.5%) and tachycardia (33.8%), respectively. A study done by Kaur et al [ 19 ] reported that the most common side effect observed in the nitroglycerine group was headache in 42% of women. While the most common side effect in the nifedipine group was tachycardia, observed in 28% of women.…”

Efficacy of Transdermal Nitroglycerin Patch for the Arrest of Preterm Labor: A Retrospective Study

“…This underscores the importance of delaying preterm delivery through tocolysis, allowing sufficient time for the administration of the full course of antepartum steroids. In addition, delaying delivery facilitates in-utero transfer to a tertiary care center, where neonatal care is optimal, further enhancing the chances of favorable outcomes for both the mother and the newborn [5].…”