Report from "International Workshop for Junior Fellows 2: Tocolytic treatment for prevention of preterm birth" at the 73rd Annual Congress of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

At the 73rd Annual Congress of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, we discussed recent tocolytic treatments for the prevention of preterm birth with obstetricians from Korea and Taiwan. The rate of preterm birth in our countries has been increasing, and optimal tocolytic treatments are of great concern. Ritodrine hydrochloride was the first available drug for tocolysis in our countries and is often administered for over 48 h, although it is not recommended for maintenance therapy in Western countries. Meanwhile, there are differences in the use of other tocolytic drugs, based on approval of the drugs and the health insurance systems. Nifedipine and atosiban have not been considered first-line agents in Japan. The long-term use of unnecessary tocolysis should be avoided, and the introduction of other tocolytic drugs, including nifedipine or atosiban, should be discussed.