[Prostaglandin and threat of premature labour inhibitors. 1. The possibilities and consequences (as given in the literature) (author's transl)].

The employment of tocolytics is a useful weapon in the treatment of threatened premature labour. The importance of prostaglandins in uterine contraction and the fact that non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins is well known. Some authors have shown that aspirin has an effect on the outcome of pregnancy (by prolonging it). Others have shown experimentally the tocolytic effect of indomethacin. Several publications have now shown that indomethacin is useful in the treatment of threatened premature labour. Maternal tolerance is good but one fetal complication has been described, namely the persistance of fetal blood circulation after birth. The physiopathology of this syndrome is reviewed and the role played by indomethacin defined. Finally, it would appear that indomethacin is a possible treatment for threatened premature labour.