Korean J Obstet Gynecol.  2007 Jan;50(1):5-15.

Overview for the management of preterm labor

• Kim A
• Ma JY

Abstract

Premature labor remains one of the most intractable risk factors that contribute to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Tocolytics, antibiotics and corticosteroid have been used as the typical management for preterm labor. Various treatment of women with signs and symptoms of preterm labor has failed to decrease in the incidence of preterm births in the world. The management of preterm labor remains very controversial problems today. There are no clear "first-line" tocolytic drugs and antibiotics to prolong gestation period and improve perinatal outcome. But in Royal College of Obstetricians and gynecologists (RCOG) recommend that atosiban and nifedipine appear to be preferable as they have fewer side effects and seem to comparable effectiveness. So far there is insufficient evidence for any firm conclusions about whether or not maintenance tocolytic therapy following preterm labor is valuable. In conclusion, clinical circumstances and physician preferences should dictate treatment. Individual approach or combined treatment for preterm labor may be helpful in determining which treatment is suitable to each patient.

MeSH Terms

Anti-Bacterial Agents
Female
Humans
Incidence
Mortality
Nifedipine
Obstetric Labor, Premature*
Pregnancy
Premature Birth
Risk Factors
Tocolysis
Tocolytic Agents
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Nifedipine
Tocolytic Agents