Abstract
Ritodrine Hydrochloride (R) experience was reviewed after the first two years of regular use (7/81-6/83). Of the 202 women treated, 159 (78%) carried the pregnancy to 35 weeks or greater. Neonatal outcomes including birthweight (BW), gestational age (GA), Apgar scores, hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, RDS, IUGR and mortality were correlated with (1) duration of exposure, (2) onset of exposure and (3) interval from cessation of exposure to delivery. Infants exposed to R for ≥6 wks (X=11.4) were significantly heavier (3109g vs 2884g, p<.01) than infants exposed for <6 wks (X=3.6). This could be accounted for by a significant difference in the corresponding GA at birth (38.9 vs 37.4 wks, p<.001). Those infants exposed to R beginning at ≤ 30 wks X=25.0 wks gestation) had a significantly greater (p<.05) need for phototherapy than did the infants with exposure beginning at >30 wks (X=32.8 wks gestation). Neither duration of exposure or GA at birth were significant factors for hyperbilirubinemia. Early hypoglycemia was seen in 11/159 infants (7%). 10/11 of these infants (91%) were exposed to R until the day of delivery. This incidence differed significantly from that among infants whose exposure stopped at least 1 week prior to delivery. Apgar scores, RDS, IUGR and mortality were not significantly different. In conclusion, R therapy prolongs pregnancy and decreases prematurity rate. Hyperbilirubinemia is increased in infants exposed to R earlier in gestation regardless of GA at birth. Hypoglycemia is more frequent in infants exposed up until delivery date.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Musci, M., Abbasi, S., Otis, C. et al. 399 FETAL RITODRINE EXPOSURE AND NEONATAL OUTCOME. Pediatr Res 19, 177 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00429
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00429