Effectiveness of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate patch

ABSTRACT

To determine the effectiveness of transdermal patch of glyceryl trinitrate as tocolytic agent. Interventional- Quasi experimental study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit- 1, Services hospital, Lahore. One year [February 10, 2006 - February 10, 2007]. Fifty pregnant women with preterm labour were included in the study. 54% of pregnant women were between G2 - G4. Majority [48%] of the women presented between 31 - 34 weeks of gestation. 46% of pregnant women had bishop score of 4 or more. 64% of patients found to have no risk factor for preterm labour. Majority [86%] responded after application of second patch [10 mg glyceryl trinitrate patch]. 84% had no side effects. Local skin reaction [10%] and headache [4%] observed in few patients. 58% of pregnant women delivered after 48 hours and 78% of them delivered vaginally which was statically significant and majority of babies delivered weight more than 1.5 kg and with good Apgar score. It is concluded from the study that glyceryl trinitrate is a safer tocolytic, which has simple method of application; rapid onset of action with low cost, low risk from side effects and it does not require intensive monitoring