[Tocolysis with beta sympathomimetics alone or combined with the calcium antagonist verapamil? Influence of verapamil on the fetus]

Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd. 1983 Aug;43(8):481-5. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1036560.
[Article in German]

Abstract

In a retrospective study, patients who underwent tocolytic therapy by beta-mimetics were investigated. 308 received Fenoterol monotherapy (group A) and 163 a combination of Fenoterol with the calcium-antagonist Verapamil in a dosage-relation of 1/20 (group B). The review of 287 cardiotocograms showed a significant increase in the foetal heart rate in both groups by about 13% after 114 minutes (A) and 146 minutes (B). Although the diaplacental transfer of Fenoterol to the foetus is very small, a high percentage of foetuses showed an increase in heart rate (84.7% in A, 86% in B). There was a significantly longer duration of foetal tachycardia in group B. Both groups were not different in respect of perinatal mortality (5.4% in A, 5.2% in B), birth weight, APGAR score, and the reasons for paediatric care. The great difference in placental permeability for Fenoterol and Verapamil may cause a danger for the foetus. Since no reasonable improvements are seen, additional Verapamil therapy is not recommended.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Apgar Score
  • Birth Weight
  • Electrocardiography
  • Female
  • Fenoterol / therapeutic use
  • Fetus / drug effects*
  • Germany, West
  • Heart Rate / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Infant Mortality
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / prevention & control*
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Verapamil / pharmacology*
  • Verapamil / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Fenoterol
  • Verapamil