Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of transdermal nitro-glycerine versus oral nifedipine for acute tocolysis in preterm labour.

Study Design: Randomized, Control trial

Place and Duration: Conducted at Khattak Medical Center Dabgari Garden Peshawar for duration of one year from 1stAugust 2019 to 31stJuly 2020.

Methods: Total 126 patients of preterm labor were presented in this study. Patients were aged between 18-40 years. Patients were equally divided into two groups A and B. Patients of group A received transdermal nitro-glycerine while Group B received oral nifedipine for acute tocolysis. Within 48 hours, failure of tocolysis was observed while effectiveness was observed after 48 hours to 10 days and greater than 10 days. Complete data was analyzed by SPSS 22.0 version.

Results: Mean age of the patients in group A was 29.96 ±4.32 years with mean BMI 25.70 ±4.12 kg/m2 and mean age among patients of group B was 28.78 ±9.48 years with mean BMI 25.68 ±8.21 kg/m2. Mean gestational age at admission in group A was 32.34±1.68 whereas in group B it was 32.12±1.52 weeks. At time delivery mean gestational age in group A was 37.52±2.86 and in group B was 36.18±1.45. Frequency of failure was lower in group A as compared to Group B within 48 hours and prolongation of delayed delivery was greater in group A 18.45±1.68 days as compared to group B 15.94±4.22 days.

Conclusion: We concluded in this study that nitroglycerine was more effective for prolongation of delayed delivery in preterm labor as compared to oral nifedipine.

Keywords: Tocolysis, Nitroglycerine, Rifedipine, Preterm labour