The addition of indomethacin to betamimetics for tocolysis: any benefit for the neonate?

OBJECTIVE

To study the influence on the neonate of indomethacin administered to the mother as an additional tocolytic.

STUDY DESIGN

The neonatal outcome in 76 closely matched low birth weight infants was compared retrospectively: those whose mothers received indomethacin together with betamimetics formed the study group, those whose mothers received only betamimetics formed the control group.

RESULTS

There was an increased incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in the study group (97% versus 45%; P<0.001), an increased need for surfactant use (68% versus 26%; P<0.001) and increased ventilatory support, and an increased incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (47% versus 24%; P=0.03). Gestation could not be prolonged significantly by the addition of indomethacin.

CONCLUSION

Indomethacin as an additional tocolytic agent was associated with an increased incidence of RDS, surfactant use and BPD but did not significantly prolong gestation.