Pulmonary edema associated with ritodrine and dexamethasone treatment of threatened premature labor. A case report.

Pulmonary edema occurred in association with the use of ritodrine and steroids to treat threatened premature labor. Twin gestation, intravenous ritodrine infusion longer than 24 hours and excessive fluid administration appear to be risk factors for the development of pulmonary edema. Careful case selection, scrupulous attention to the principles of fluid and electrolyte management and central venous pressure monitoring may help to diminish the incidence and severity of this complication of pregnancy.