To Assess the Efficacy of Nifedipine in the Treatment of Preterm Labour in Comparison to Isoxsuprine

Abstract

BACKGROUND Preterm labour and delivery remains a major cause of prenatal morbidity and mortality.¹ Numerous drugs and interventions have been used to prevent and inhibit the preterm labour but none have been found to be completely effective with the choice being further limited by troublesome side effects. Tocolysis, the pharmacologic inhibition of uterine contractions, is currently the principal preterm birth preventive measure. The aim of this study was to compare the tocolytic efficacy of Isoxsuprine and Nifedipine in the treatment of preterm labour. Maternal side effects and neonatal outcome were also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a prospective randomised study. 120 antenatal cases with 28-36 weeks of gestation with painful intermittent uterine contractions were considered for the study. Subjects were randomly allotted into two groups-Group A (Isoxsuprine) and Group B (Nifedipine) 60 patients each. Main outcomes include prolongation of pregnancy, maternal side effects and neonatal outcome were compared. RESULTS Baseline characteristics were well matched in both study groups. Success rate with Nifedipine was found to be 96% as compared to Isoxsuprine which was 75%. Maternal side effects like hypotension (13.33%) and tachycardia (6.66%) were common in Isoxsuprine group, while facial flushing was seen in 16.66% patients in Nifedipine group. Neonatal outcome was similar in the both groups.