Effectiveness of Nifedipine and Magnesium sulfate in preterm labor treatment

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness, side effects of two regimens using Nifedipine or Magnesium sulfate in the treatment of preterm labor.

Materials and methods: Prospective study included 114 patients diagnosed and treated for preterm labor in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue Central Hospital and University Hospital of Medicine and Pharmacy Hue from May 2010 to June 2011. After diagnosis, patients have been randomly assigned into 2 groups receiving magnesium sulfate or nifedipine; assessment of efficacy and safety of each treatment regimen.

Results: The rate of tocolysis in the Magnesium sulfate group was 91.2% and Nifedipine group was 89.5%. Tocolysis time in the Magnesium sulfate group was 12.4 ± 35.8 minutes, in group Nifedipine was 90.58 ± 19.5 minutes. When cervical dilatation < 2 cm, the success rate of Magnesium sulfate was 94.2%, those of Nifedipine was 90.1%. When cervical dilatation ≥ 2cm, the success rate of Magnesium sulfate was 60% and those of Nifedipine was 33.3%. The success rate of prolonged gestation ≥ 48 hours seen mainly in preterm labor with tocolysis index of 2 or 3 points, 97.7% and 94.2%, respectively. In the Magnesium sulfate group, prolonged gestation ≥ 48 hours obtained in 91.2% of cases, mean prolongation of gestation 26.3 ± 19.5 day; in the Nifedipine group: prolonged gestation ≥ 48 hours obtained in 93% of cases, mean prolongation of gestation 21.5 ± 14.4 day.

Conclusion: Magnesium sulfate and Nifedipine regimen yielded high efficiency and safety for pregnant women and fetuses in the treatment of preterm labor.