Tocolysis for Preterm Labor

Summary

Preterm birth is the most common and costly complication in obstetrics. It complicates up to 11% of all pregnancies and it is responsible for 70% of sick babies. The ideal way to stop preterm labor when it occurs (which drug to use) is not known. Currently magnesium sulfate is used by about 95% of all practitioners, but recent data suggest magnesium given this way may be harmful for the baby's future development. Other drugs such as antiprostaglandin agents are very effective in stopping uterine activity, but particularly when used for \>48 hours have been associated with both maternal and fetal sides effects. Lastly, calcium channel antagonists are effective in stopping contractions and have very little in the way of maternal and fetal side effects, but less data is available in the United States on their use. Because there is no FDA approved drug to stop preterm labor, we purpose to randomize all women with preterm labor (20-34 weeks) to receive one of the above three methods of stopping preterm labor. The primary outcomes will be to see which agent stops the uterine contractions most effectively, for the longest period of time with fewest relapses and results in significant prolongation of pregnancy. If one of these agents is clearly superior to the other two it would help women avoid early delivery or have significant extension of their pregnancy to avoid some of the complications of preterm birth in the baby.

Conditions

• Preterm Labor

Interventions

DRUG

1 Magnesium Sulfate

Participants randomized to this arm will receive a loading dose of 6gms intravenously followed by a maintenance dose of 2-4gm/hr, per physician discretion, until uterine quiescence is achieved. The Magnesium Sulfate dosage is then titrated down until discontinued per physician discretion.

DRUG

Nifedipine

Participants randomized to receive nifedipine will receive an initial 30mg loading dose, then 10 - 20mg q 4 - 6 hours as needed, per physician discretion, until uterine quiescence is achieved.

DRUG

Indomethacin

Participants randomized to receive indomethacin will receive an initial 100mg per rectum X1, may repeat x1, and then 25 - 50mg orally every 6 hours over 48 hours as needed per physician discretion until uterine quiescence has been achieved.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Mississippi Medical Center

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Rick W Martin, MD · University of Mississippi Medical Center

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

16 Years

Max Age

45 Years

Sex

FEMALE

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2004-06-30

Primary Completion

2009-06-30

Completion

2010-06-30

Countries

• United States

Study Locations