Effectiveness of transdermal nitroglycerine compared to oral nifedipine in prevention of preterm labour

Abstract

Background: Preterm labour is a major complication of pregnancy associated with perinatal mortality and morbidity. Various drugs and strategies have been used for the treatment of preterm labour. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of transdermal nitroglycerine patch versus oral nifedipine in prevention of preterm labour. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was designed and conducted at the Department of Obstetrics/Gynaecology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad. The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: the transdermal nitroglycerine group and oral nifedipine group with 63 participants in each group. Nitroglycerine transdermal patch of 5 mg was applied over the anterior abdominal wall in the first group and oral nifedipine was administered orally to second group. The efficacy in terms of delay in delivery by 48 hours was noted for each intervention and recorded in the proforma. Mean±SD were calculated for numerical variables. For the categorical variables, Chi-square (?²) test was used, and p?0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Overall the given treatment was effective in 94 (75%) patients. In transdermal nitroglycerine group, the delay of delivery by 48 hours was found in 53 (85%) patients. In oral nifedipine group, delay of delivery by 48 hours was seen in 41 (65%) patients (p<0.05). Conclusion: Transdermal nitroglycerine patch is more effective to delay labour as compared to nifedipine. Therefore, it may be promisingly safe, effective, well-tolerated, cost-effective, and non-invasive method of tocolysis.

Pak J Physiol 2019;15(4):7?10