ABSTRACT
To evaluate the maximal impact tocolytic therapy could exert on preterm delivery rate,
we conducted a retrospective study of all births that took place at Aarbus Kommune-hospital
during a 2-year period when the only therapeutic regimen used in threatened preterm
labor was bed rest. All singleton pregnancies that were delivered before the 35th
week of gestation were included in the study. Eighty (1.2%) of 6454 deliveries fulfilled
these criteria. Thirty-seven (46%) of the preterm pregnancies were associated with
complications in which tocolytic therapy is contraindicated. Forty-three (54%) of
the preterm deliveries occurred in women without pregnancy-related complications.
Primary rupture of the membranes occurred in 19 (24%) women who therefore were not
candidates for tocolytic therapy. Spontaneous contractions without contraindications
for tocolytic therapy and with a cervical dilation less than 5 cm were present in
15 women only. In this group one infant had nonsuspected severe congenital malformations.
Thus, only 14 (17.5%) of the preterm deliveries could have been prevented by tocolytic
therapy. Tocolytic therapy other than bed rest was therefore indicated in only 0.2%
of all deliveries.
