Glyceryl Trinitrate Versus Magnesium Sulfate in the Suppression of Preterm Labor.

Abstract

Introduction:: Preterm births (before 37 completed week gestation) account for approxi-mately 5-10% of births and are the major cause of perinatal mortality in North America and Europe. This is largely because of a lack of standard treatments for this problem, therefore, the aim of this study was to compare glyceryl trinitrate with magnesium sulfate for their ability to suppress preterm labor. Material and Methods:: A clinical trial was performed at the Ali Ebne Abitaleb Hospital, in the Zahedan University of Medical Science. In total, 42 women with preterm labor and intact membranes with a gestational age between 27 and 37 weeks were divided into two groups at random. Patients in the experimental group received glyceryl trinitrate (5mgr transdermal patches /24 hours) and in the control group, magnesium sulfate (at first 4 gr infusion: 1gr/min and then 2gr/hour) was used until the suppression of preterm uterine contractions was observed. Results were obtained through observation and interview forms, and the resulting data was analyzed using chi square and T tests available in the SPSS statistical software (P Results:: Mean duration of pregnancy prolongation was 14.87 days in the case group (min: 11 max: 59.38 SD: 14.28) and 13.44 days in the control group (min: 26 max: 36.63 SD: 14.77). There was no significant difference in the prolongation of pregnancy between glyceryl trinitrate and magnesium sulfate (P Conclusion:: Glyceryl trinitrate is a suitable substitute for magnesium sulfate in the suppres-sion of preterm labor.