[Beta-sympathicomimetics, premature birth, and perinatal mortality (author's transl)].

A group of 658 patients hospitalised throughout one year was examined in the 24th to 36th weeks of pregnancy, with the view to finding out, if prematurity and perinatal mortality could be reduced by systematic beta-mimetics therapy of imminent premature birth. Patients with beta-mimetics treatment for imminent premature birth accounted for 112 cases. The proportions of infants with low birth-weight and of perinatal deaths along with beta-mimetics treatment declined with significance by comparison to another review which covered a period between 1968 and 1970.