Improvement of fetal heart score of by maternal intravenous ritodrine bolus

ABSTRACT

Seventy seven parturients with abnormal FHR score participated in this work. Thirty eight women were managed conservatively by maternal lateral positioning, oxygen inhalation and stopping oxytocin, if being in use [Group A]. Thirty nine women were managed in the same manner with the addition of an intravenous bolus injection of 6 mg ritodrine in 10 ml saline solution over a period of 3 minutes. Improvement of FHR tracings was more evident in the ritodrine -treated group compared with those treated conservatively, especially in those having suspicious FHR scores or uterine hyperactivity. Improvement of FHR secondary to ritodrine bolus injection was nearly similary achieved in the presence or absence of uterine hyperactivity. A lower incidence of cesarean section was noticed among the ritodrine - treated group. The neonatal Apgar scores was significanty better among the ritodrine - treated group. Some side effects were detected with ritodrine including tachycardia, hypotension [12.82%], palpitation [20.54%], and vomiting [7.69%]. Ritodrine may, therefore be recommend as an effective and safe treatment of acute intrapartum fetal distress