ABSTRACT
To determine the best method of active management of preterm labour with intact membranes comparing ritodrine vs magnesium sulphate. Prospective clinical trial. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt. Sixty women with threatened preterm labore and intact membranes were divided to two group; Group 1: 30 women received ritodrine and Group 2:30 patients received magnesium sulphate. Close monitoring for the mother and fetus during treatment was performed. When successful tocolysis was achieved, patients were transferred from the casuality unit to the antenatal care unit to be put under observation. Ritodrine delayed delivery for 48 hours in 80% of the patients. Several complications were noted with ritodrine. Tachycardia occurred in 18 patients, dyspnea occurred in 4 patients and the drug was discontinued in 2 patients after consultation of the cardiologist to avoid pulmonary oedema.Fetal tachycardia occurred in 4 patients, magnesium sulphate delayed delivery for 48 hours in 73% of the cases. Complications were less frequent with magnesium sulphate, two patients developed tachycardia, 2 patients complained of headache and 3 patients complained of dyspnea. Magnesium sulphate is tolerated better than ritodrine with similar effectiveness