Tocolysis with Ritodrine: a Comparative Study in Preterm Labour

Objective: Preterm delivery is an important cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted with an objective to assess the effect of ritodrine on perinatal mortality as compared to isoxsuprine and the effect of ritodrine on maternal morbidity and neonatal morbidity in comparison to isoxsuprine with the extent to which delivery was delayed. Design: A randomized study with 25 patients with ritodrine treatment (Group-1) and 25 patients to isoxsuprine treatment (Group-2) were studied. Setting: Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University, India Results: Tocolysis was reported to be successful for more than 72 hours in 96% in ritodrine group and 84% in isoxsuprine group. Ritodrine was found superior because of lesser incidences of side effects (56%) with ritodrine and (64%) with isoxsuprine, In terms of effectiveness of tocolysis number of patients failed cases were 16% with isoxsuprine when compared to 4% with ritodrine. The mean birth weight of neonate was 3115.38 gm ± 642.3 in ritodrine groups and 2786.53 gm ± 673.43 is isoxsuprine group. Conclusion: Ritodrine is more efficacious in delaying delivery and increasing fetal maturity as compared to isoxsuprine.