[Tocolysis with nifedipine: its use in current practice].

OBJECTIVES

To assess tocolysis with nifedipine in preterm labour during actual clinical practice in terms of efficacy and safety.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective observational study during two years including preterm labour between 26 and 33+6 weeks of amenorrhea. Preterm labour was defined by the presence of three or more uterine contractions in 10 minutes associated to cervical modifications diagnosed by vaginal sonography (length<or=25 mm). Patients were excluded if they had more than two fetuses or other gestational pathologies. Tocolysis resulted in oral taking of 30 mg of nifedipine (3x10 mg) with continuous follow-up of blood pressure. Tocolysis was modified when contractions did not disappear. Success was defined when delivery was delayed more than 48 hours. Failure was defined either by a delivery occurring in the first two days of tocolysis or when a modification of treatment was required.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were included, 10 of whom having a twin pregnancy. Success was obtained in 84% of patients (49/58). All of these women did not deliver during the first seven days after introduction of tocolysis. Five patients delivered in the first two days after tocolysis and four others required a change in tocolysis. Mean gestational age at delivery was 37+5 weeks and 35 weeks for single and twin pregnancies, respectively. No maternal or fetal side effects were described.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Nifedipine could be prescribed for tocolysis in actual clinical practice because it seems to have safety and excellent tolerance.