Role of Nifedipine in Preterm Labour

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of Nifedipine for suppression of preterm labour. Quasi experimental study. The study was conducted at Department of obstetrics and Gynaecology unit II, Civil Hospital Karachi from november, 2004 - October 2005. 65 singleton pregnancies with preterm labour occurring between 28 and 34 weeks of gestation were selected. Patient presenting with Preterm labour, having cervical dilatation <3cm with intact membrane included in the study. Nifedipine was used as a tocolytic agent. Successful tocolysis was achieved in 70% [45 /65] of patients, while in remaining 30% [20/65] tocolysis was not achieved. Nifedipine effectively suppressed uterine contractions and delayed delivery for >48hours, a period which is sufficient for the effect of corticosteroid or inutero transfer