Memoona Ali, Muhammad Arshad Hussain, Hani Gull Qaisrani, Muhammad Arshad Chohan.
To Compare the Efficacy of Beta Agonist Ritodrine and Calcium Channel Blocker Nifedipine in the Management of Preterm Labour.
Pak J Med Health Sci Jan ;7(4):1167-9.

Aim: To compare the efficacy of beta agonist ritodrine and calcium channel blocker nifedipine in inhibiting uterine contractions for prolongation of pregnancy up to 48 hours, in patients with preterm labour. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Obstetrical & Gynaecological Department, Lady Aitchison Hospital, Lahore between six months from 8th July 2009 to 8th January 2010. One hundred and sixty patients with gestational age between 24 to 37 weeks were included. All patients were divided in 2 groups; group A (Inj. Ritodrine 2 ampules (100 mg) and group B (Tab. Nifedipine 20 mg). Each group comprised 80 patients.. Results: The mean age in group A was 27.7±3.8 years and 27.3±3.5 years in group B. The mean duration of pregnancy with dates in group A was 32.7±1.5 weeks and 32.5±1.7 weeks in group B. In group A, 67 (83.7%) patients in whom duration of treatment and delivery was more than 48 hours and in group B, there were 73 (91.2%) patients. In group A, 67 (83.7%) patients, in whose the treatment was effective and in group B, there were 73 (91.2%) patients. Conclusion: Both the treatment modalities are effective, but nifedipine is significantly associated with a longer duration of postponement of delivery in comparison with ritodrine in the management of preterm labor.

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