Oxytocin Antagonists for the Management of Preterm Birth: A Review

Ihab M Usta; Ali Khalil; Anwar H Nassar

doi:10.1055/s-0030-1270111

American Journal of Perinatology, Table of Contents

Am J Perinatol 2011; 28(6): 449-460
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1270111

Oxytocin Antagonists for the Management of Preterm Birth: A Review

Ihab M. Usta¹ , Ali Khalil¹ , Anwar H. Nassar¹

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Preterm birth, the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, is estimated at incidence of 12.7% of all births, which has not decreased over the last four decades despite intensive antenatal care programs aimed at high-risk groups, the widespread use of tocolytics, and a series of other preventive and therapeutic interventions. Oxytocin antagonists, namely atosiban, represent an appealing choice that seems to be effective with apparently fewer side effects than the traditional tocolytics. This article reviews the available literature on the pharmacokinetics, mode of administration, and clinical utility of oxytocin antagonists for acute and maintenance tocolysis with special emphasis on its safety profile.

KEYWORDS

Oxytocin antagonists - tocolysis - preterm labor - adverse effects - dose

Full Text

References

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Anwar H NassarM.D.

American University of Beirut Medical Center

P.O. Box 113-6044/B36, Hamra Street, Beirut 110 32090, Lebanon

Email: an21@aub.edu.lb