PRETERM LABOUR

EFFECTIVENESS OF TRANSDERMAL GLYCERYL TRINITRATE PATCH

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of transdermal patch of glyceryl trinitrate as tocolytic agent. Study design: Interventional- Quasi experimental study. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit- 1, Services hospital, Lahore. Duration with dates: One year (February 10, 2006 – February 10, 2007). Sample size: Fifty pregnant women with preterm labour were included in the study. Results: 54% of pregnant women were between G2 – G4. Majority (48%) of the women presented between 31 – 34 weeks of gestation. 46% of pregnant women had bishop score of 4 or more. 64% of patients found to have no risk factor for preterm labour. Majority (86%) responded after application of second patch (10 mg glyceryl trinitrate patch). 84% had no side effects. Local skin reaction (10%) and headache (4%) observed in few patients. 58% of pregnant women delivered after 48 hours and 78% of them delivered vaginally which was statically significant and majority of babies delivered weight more than 1.5 kg and with good Apgar score. Conclusions: It is concluded from the study that glyceryl trinitrate is a safer tocolytic, which has simple method of application; rapid onset of action with low cost, low risk from side effects and it does not require intensive monitoring.