EFFECT OF TOCOLYSIS ON INCIDENCE OF LOW-BIRTH-WEIGHT

Abstract

Tocolysis was attempted in only 2.5% of 570 consecutive low birth weight deliveries in the years of 1980-1981. The reasons for rejecting therapy in the majority of cases are discussed. Prospectively, tocolysis was attempted in only 13.8% of all patients in preterm labor, with an 82% success rate. If tocolytic therapy were not used, and a calculation made with allowance for usually acceptable false diagnosis and failure rate, general low birth weight would rise minimally and insignificantly (P = 1.4). Availability of tocolytic agents must not be expected to lower the overall low birth weight rate, although it will benefit the appropriately selected individual patient.