Abstract:
To compare the effectiveness of hydration + sedation and nifedipine in the treatment of preterm
delivery.
Between November 2003 and March 2005, a total of 130 pregnant women hospitalized at our hospital
due to preterm labor were enrolled in the study. Of these, 70 (group 1) received hydration+sedation and the
remaining 60 (group 2) received nifedipine. All pregnant women were followed up to delivery and obstetric and
perinatal data were recorded.
Groups were similar with respect to patients' demographic and reproductive characteristics, risk factors
for preterm delivery, gestational week at the time of application and cervical length measured by ultrasound
(p>0.05). Mean time between diagnosis and delivery was 35.8±4.2 days in group 1 and was 35.4±4.5 days in
group 2 (p=0.84). Mean birth weight was 2970±226 grams for group 1 and was 2880±231 grams for group 2
(p=0.17). There was also no significant difference between the groups with respect to parenteral tocolysis
requirement (p=0.07) and delivery prior to 37 weeks of gestation (p=0.62).
In contrast to literature data, our study results suggest that hydration + sedation treatment may be a
reasonable approach before administrating tocolysis. However, larger and placebo controlled studies are needed
to recommend this approach as an alternative to tocolysis.
