EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF NIFEDIPINE IN SUPPRESSION OF PRETERM LABOR

Abstract

Objective: To determine efficacy and complications of nifedipine in suppression of preterm labor

Place of study: The study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Allama Iqbal Memorial Teaching Hospital, Sialkot.

Duration of study: July 13, 2024 January 12, 2025 

Study design: Descriptive case series

Methods: A total of 157 eligible patients received a first dose of 20mg tablet nifedipine orally. Their uterine contractions were monitored, and nifedipine-related complications like transient hypotension, cesarean delivery, and fetal distress were assessed. Data analysis, stratified by maternal age, gestational age, onset of contractions duration, and cervical length, was conducted using SPSS v22 and Chi-square test post- stratification. A p-value of ≤0.05 indicated significance.

Results: 157 women with preterm labor participated. Mean maternal age: 28.29±6.306 years. Mean gestational age: 31.24±2.285 weeks. Mean cervical length: 2.6±0.75 cm. Mean onset of contractions: 25.3±5.3 minutes. 81.5% achieved successful tocolysis, 3.8% had transient hypotension, and 46.5% underwent c-sections.

Conclusion: Nifedipine is a safe and effective tocolytic for suppressing uterine contractions, with rare side effects. Delaying delivery by over 2 days helps in prescribing corticosteroids, transferring the mother to a tertiary care center, thus reducing perinatal complications and mortality.