Clinical Investigation

Comparison of Nifedipine and Hydration + Sedation in the Treatment of Preterm Delivery: A Prospective Clinical Study

  • Cenk NAYKI
  • Murat INAL
  • Yusuf YILDIRIM
  • Sivekar TINAR

Meandros Med Dent J 2007;8(1):23-26

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of hydration + sedation and nifedipine in the treatment of preterm delivery. Methods: Between November 2003 and March 2005, a total of 130 pregnant women hospitalized at our hospital due to preterm labor were enrolled in the study. Of these, 70 (group 1) received hydration+sedation and the remaining 60 (group 2) received nifedipine. All pregnant women were followed up to delivery and obstetric and perinatal data were recorded. Results: Groups were similar with respect to patients' demographic and reproductive characteristics, risk factors for preterm delivery, gestational week at the time of application and cervical length measured by ultrasound (p>0.05). Mean time between diagnosis and delivery was 35.8±4.2 days in group 1 and was 35.4±4.5 days in group 2 (p=0.84). Mean birth weight was 2970±226 grams for group 1 and was 2880±231 grams for group 2 (p=0.17). There was also no significant difference between the groups with respect to parenteral tocolysis requirement (p=0.07) and delivery prior to 37 weeks of gestation (p=0.62). Conclusion: In contrast to literature data, our study results suggest that hydration + sedation treatment may be a reasonable approach before administrating tocolysis. However, larger and placebo controlled studies are needed to recommend this approach as an alternative to tocolysis.

Keywords: Preterm delivery, hydration+sedation, nifedipine