The effect of salbutamol and terbutaline in the management of premature labour.

A comparative study concerning the effect of salbutamol and terbutaline in the management of premature labour with intact membranes has been performed. Each group included 34 patients between 27-36 weeks gestation. The drugs used were given by intravenous infusion. Salbutamol arrested labour activity in 33 of 34 patients and terbutaline in 32 of 34 patients. Delivery was postponed for more than one week in 74% of the patients receiving salbutamol and in 80% of the patients receiving terbutaline. No significant difference in effect was found between the drugs used. The effect was equally good independent of the gestational age. Dilatation of cervix beyond 2 cm was associated with successful treatment (delay of delivery more than one week) in 27% compared to 91% if cervix was dilated 2 cm or less. In 12 patients with ruptured membranes a temporary arrest of labour activity (1-7 days) was obtained in 7 patients, and in 1 patient the delivery was delayed for 6 weeks. In the dosage used an increase in maternal and fetal heart rate was observed, more frequently in the patients receiving salbutamol compared with those receiving terbutaline. No serious side-effects were observed, neither in the salbutamol nor the terbutaline group. It is concluded that both drugs are well tolerated and effective in the treatment of premature labour.