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Maternal and perinatal outcome in patients with preterm labor pains receiving tocolytic therapy

Background The objective of this study was to assess the maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with preterm labor pains and also to correlate threatened abortion with preterm pains.

Methods The study conducted was a prospective observational study. 100 cases of preterm labor admitted to JK hospital, Bhopal over a period of 2 years with singleton gestation between 28 to 36+6 weeks were included.

Results Maximum preterm deliveries were in the late preterm group (80%). Correlation of preterm labor with threatened abortion was not significant (OR=1.03; p>0.05). 42% cases delivered vaginally and 58% by LSCS. Prolongation of pregnancy after tocolytic therapy was upto 12 hours in 35% cases, 12-24 hours in 40% cases and >24 hours in only 15% cases. The most commonly encountered neonatal complication was RDS, 37%, out of which 9% required resuscitation at birth and 8% required ventilator support followed by jaundice in 23%, sepsis in 3% cases and NEC in 4% cases. The association between gestational age and requirement of resuscitation at birth (X2=19.9; p=0.00), need of ventilator (X2=12.6; p=0.002) and neonatal RDS (X2=6.9; p=0.031) was found to be significant.

Conclusions Preterm births are major obstetric problem that have an extensive impact on neonatal morbidity and mortality.