Article: Tocolytic Therapy for Preterm Labor

Question 1

Leading cause of perinatal mortality?

Answer 1

Preterm birth

Question 2

Give me 6 risk factors for preterm birth

Answer 2

1. History of preterm birth
2. African American
3. Poor maternal health
4. Low socioeconomic status
5. Smoking
6. Extremes of maternal age

Question 3

There is a pretty strong asscn between preterm delivery and…?

Answer 3

Infection

Question 4

What do tocolytics do?

Answer 4

Slow down the delivery process in a preterm delivery. Allow time to give glucocorticoids to avoid neonatal ARDS

Question 5

Magnesium sulfate is the most commonly used tocolytic in the US because?

Answer 5

No good reason. According to the article, it doesnt even really work… THIS IS WHAT SWEATMAN WILL TEST ON

Question 6

This is a prostaglandin inhibitor (non-selective COX inhibitor) that treats preterm labor

Answer 6

Indomethacin

Question 7

According to the article, Indomethacin is better/worse than magnesium sulfate?

Answer 7

Better. It is more effective and better tolerated

Question 8

AEs of Indomethacin?

Answer 8

1. GI
2. Platelet deficiencies (its a COX inhibitor, remember)
3. Fetal problems- premature closure of the ductus arteriosus (remember, this is the drug you give for a PDA)