Nitric oxide for treatment of threatened preterm labor

Objective: The aim of our study was the assessment of effectiveness of nitroglycerin as a donor of nitric oxide, administered in the form of transdermal therapeutic system, applied in the treatment of threatening preterm labor. Patients and methods: The study was carried out on 30 pregnant patients with the symptoms of threatening preterm labor between 27th and 34th week of gestation. The patients were given nitroglycerin in the form of transdermal system releasing 5 mg of nitroglycerin in 24 h. Results: In our study the decrease in contractility and relaxation of uterus was observed in all obstetric patients. No changes in the fetal pulse rate and cardiotocographic tracing in the course of treatment and after completing treatment were observed. Conclusion: Nitroglycerin in the form of transdermal therapeutic system releasing nitric oxide may be an effective and safe tocolytic drug, however, further investigation needs to be performed. (C) 2001 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. All rights reserved.