Background: Acute pulmonary edema may be induced by beta 2-mimetics used for tocolysis.
Case report: A 41-year-old patient, admitted for preterm labor, presented acute pulmonary edema after parenteral tocolysis using salbutamol in combination with corticosteroid therapy to improve fetal pulmonary maturation.
Discussion: The pathogenic mechanism is essentially non-cardiologic. Fluid retention is probably the main cause, potentially worsened by corticosteroid administration. If detected early, pulmonary edema is usually and adequately treated by cessation of beta 2-sympathomimetic therapy, oxygen administration and diuretics. Mechanical ventilation can be required. Cardiac function must be assessed after this complication. In preterm labor, the duration of tocolysis with beta 2-sympatomimetics should be reduced.