Abstract:
The aim of this randomised single blind, controlled clinical trial is to determine, at the end
of 48 hours, whether Transdermal Nitroglycerin is more effective than placebo in the
treatment of preterm labour. Maternal and foetal side effect profile of the active agent was
assessed by monitoring changes in the maternal pulse, blood pressure and foetal heart rate
over this time period, and comparing to placebo for significant difference. Forty women in
preterm labour, between 20 and 34 weeks of gestation were recruited. Initial assessment and
monitoring were done according to a pre-decided protocol. The active agent used was
Transdermal Nitroglycerin (10 mg/24 Hrs), placed over the abdomen. The same patch,
without removing its protective backing, was used as placebo. In those women with increase
in uterine activity, rescue tocolysis using a different agent was initiated after removal of
study patch. *15/20 (75 percentage) of women belonging to the drug arm, and 16/20(80
percentage) of women the placebo arm remained undelivered at 48 hours. The mean
contraction/10 minutes had decreased to0.41 (SD 0.25), and 0.50(SD 0.82) in the drug and
placebo groups respectively. On applying t-test for significance
