مقايسه اثرات نيفيديپين و سولفات منيزيم در پيشگيري از زايمان زودرس

A comparative study on the preventive effect of nifedipine and magnesium sulfate in preterm labor

History and Objectives: Considering the high incidence of preterm labor and its known complications and reports on the effectiveness of nifedipine and magnesium sulfate in its prevention and regarding their prices and way of administration, this study was carried out to compare the effect of nifedipine and magnesium sulfate in prevention of preterm labor. In referrals of Shabihkhani obstetric clinic in Kashan during the years 1998-2000. Materials and Methods: The clinical trial strategy of this study was carried out on patients with pregnancies at 20-37 weeks and hospitalized for uterine contractions without interfering parameters. The Patients were randomly divided into two groups. The case and control groups were treated with nifedipine and magnesium sulfate respectively. Fetal heart rate, maternal blood pressure and complications were recorded. On condition of a successful cease of labor, the patients were discharged and followed up to the time of delivery. At this time, birth-time weight, period of hospitalization and number of hospitalized infants were recorded and analyzed statistically. Results: Both groups were similar to each other regarding maternal age, pariety, and gestational age. Mean delay of labor was 31.72 ± 24.8 days after administration of nifedipine and 42 ± 28.9 days for magnesium sulfate that was non-significant. The number of newborns that admitted in NICU was 7 (28%) for nifedipine with an average of 6.85 days and was 5 (20%) for magnesium sulfate 5 (20%) with an average of 7.6 days. In addition, mean weight at labor was 2874 g and 2872 g for nifedipine and magnesium sulfate groups respectively that was non-significant. Meanwhile, in none of the groups there was not any need to cease the administration of these drugs. The complaint rate was 100% and 40% for magnesium sulfate and nifedipine groups respectively (P<0 .0001). Conclusion: Since both drugs are alike regarding their effect on birth-time weight and delay of labor and in addition, magnesium sulfate is followed by greater rate of complications and nifedipine is a less costy drug and is its easier way of administration, the latter is recommended to be used in prevention of preterm labor.