Publication:

Assessment of the efficacy of glyceryl trinitrate patch as a tocolytic

Background Preterm labor is defined as onset of delivery after the age of gestational viability (20-28 weeks) and prior to 37 weeks. Preterm birth complicated 5-10% of all births and accounts for 75% of perinatal deaths. Several drugs are now available to delay delivery in spontaneous preterm labour. Delaying the delivery for at least 24-48 hr for lung maturity of fetus is the primary goal. Glyceryl trinitrate has less maternal side effects.

Methods The study included 100 women who were admitted in view of preterm labour with gestational age between 28-36 weeks and were given trans dermal nitroglycerin therapy for arrest of preterm labour.

Results The efficacy of nitroglycerine patch to arrest preterm labour was studied. 88 patients were successfully progressed for more than 48 hours with minimum prolongation of 3 days and maximum prolongation of 65 days and average prolongation of 26 days of pregnancy.

Conclusions Glyceryl trinitrate patch as a tocolytic is very effective. This drug has a good patient acceptability and compliance due to its minimal side effects, low cost and simple dosage schedule.