Study of fetal wellbeing and pharmacological therapy for preterm labour patients at a tertiary hospital

Abstract

Background: Preterm labour and delivery before 37 weeks of gestation is a principal contributor to perinatal mortality and morbidity. 75% of infant mortality is related to preterm labor. Our study aims at studying foetal wellbeing and pharmacological therapy for preterm labour patients at a tertiary hospital. Material and Methods: Present study was prospective, observational study, conducted in pregnant women of 18-40 yrs., with gestational age 24-37 weeks, and had preterm labour. Results: In the present study, 50 mothers were included. Mean age of the mothers was 29.7 ± 5.1 years, majority were from 21 to 35 years age group (84%), had GA of 32-37 weeks (56%), were primigravida (50%). It was observed that patients significantly high proportion of mothers had cervical encerclage with cervical length >2.5 cm as compared to those with cervical length >3 cm (p value < 0.05). 80% of the patients received betamethasone and 10% received dexamethasone. Nifedipine (38%) and Ixosuprine (20%) were used as tocolytic. The most commonly used antibiotic were erythromycin (38%), ceftriaxone (36%) and Amoxiclav (8%). Pregnancy was prolonged by up to 5 days in majority of mothers (84%). LSCS was performed in 48% and rest had preterm vaginal delivery. Of the 52 live births, majority had APGAR score of 7-10 (67.4%). In 15 neonates with APGAR score less than 6, NICU admission was required. Neonatal deaths were observed in 19% of the live births. Mean birth weight of the neonates was 1605 ± 564 gms, majority had 1500-2499 gms (50%). Neonatal complications were observed in 56% of the live births. The most common neonatal complication was respiratory distress syndrome (27%). Conclusion: The results of the present study show that prolongation of pregnancy is safe in mothers presenting with preterm labor.