Nitric oxide donors for treatment of preterm labor

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the effect of nitric oxide donors on prolongation of pregnancy.

Full Text

Methods: The effect of transdermal glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) was studied in 18 women who had clinical signs of preterm labor such as painful uterine contractions (two or more per 10 minutes for more than two hours). Patches "Deponit" which deliver 10 or 5 mg GNT transdermally over 24 hours were applied to the abdomen. 10 patients were treated by “Deponit 10” and 8patients - by “Deponit 5”. Patches were replaced every 24 hours. Treatment was continued until contractions were completely ceased (usually from 5 to 10 days).

Results: The duration of pregnancy prolongation is 68 days (28 days at average). In general patches “Deponit” were well tolerated. Maternal blood pressure, pulse rate and fetal heart rate controlled by CTG-monitoring were not affected by GTN therapy. The pregnancies of the most of patients were prolonged until term. Only 1 woman delivered at 29 weeks because of cervical incompetence and ruptured membranes despite of the treatment. All babies born by mothers who were treated by GTN had Apgar scores 7 and more at the first minute and did not have any adverse cardiorespiratory alterations.

Conclusion: The rapid and effective action of transdermal GTN and the simplicity of its administration suggest that GTN patch therapy may be used for the management of preterm labor.