WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Al Hashem Nawal*, D. Maisoon and H. Ahmad

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim was to compare the efficacy and safety of nifedipine and progesterone for maintenance tocolysis after arrested preterm labor and their perinatal outcomes. Background Preterm birth (before 37 completed weeks of gestation) is a ‘major cause of death’ and a significant cause of long-term loss of human potential. Maintenance tocolysis is continued tocolysis after arrested preterm labor to prevent the recurrence of preterm labor pains. Patients and methods A prospective randomized comparative clinical study was carried out on 78 pregnant women who had preterm labor (7 cases lost to follow-up) and attended the Obstetrics and Gynecology TISHREEN UNIVERSTY Hospital during the period March 2021 and February 2022. Detailed history, laboratory investigations, obstetric, and ultrasound follow-up study were performed. Results There was no significant difference (P > 0.5) between nifedipine and progesterone groups regarding maternal age and gestational age on admission (weeks), mode of delivery. However, there was a statistically significant difference (P ? 0.05) regarding mean blood pressure before and after treatment in nifedipine group, and neonatal birth weight between nifedipine and progesterone groups. There was a significant difference in the gestational age at delivery between the two groups. Conclusion: We found a superiority of progesterone over nifedipine for maintenance tocolysis. We would only comment that progesterone looks like a promising drug in this regard, and further large studies are required to establish this fact.

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