The efficacy of terbutaline and magnesium sulfate in the management of preterm labor.

ABSTRACT

Ninety-six patients with preterm labor at 28 weeks to 35 weeks gestation were randomized to terbutaline or magnesium sulfate untill 36 weeks gestation, 25 patients were excluded from the study. Of the remaining 71 patients, 35 patients received terbutaline and 36 patients received magnesium sulfate. The result of the study showed that, there were no significant differences (P > 0.05) regarding time to stop, mean gestational age at delivery, time gained, failure rate, time to recurrent labor and readmission for recurrent labor, birth weight, apgar score and fetal survival. Serious maternal side effects were not observed with terbutaline or magnesium sulfate, although the majority of women also received dexamethasone. Neither drug caused serious adverse neonatal effects.