Maintenance Tocolytics for Preterm Symptomatic Placenta Previa: A Review

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the review article is to determine if prolonged (≥48 hour) tocolytics with symptomatic preterm placenta previa improves perinatal outcome. OVID MEDLINE and Cochrane Databases were searched from January 1950 to January 2009. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. We identified two retrospective studies (n = 217) and one randomized clinical trial (RCT; n = 60), and they were analyzed separately. Results of the RCT indicated that pregnancy is prolonged for more than 7 days with continued tocolytics (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.38 to 6.96) but combined results of two retrospective studies did not confirm the prolongation (OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.63 to 2.28). The RCT was inadequately compliant with Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials statement. While awaiting an appropriately designed RCT to determine the duration of tocolytics with placenta previa and preterm labor, it should be limited to 48 hours.

KEYWORDS

Placenta previa - tocolytics - preterm labor

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