THE USE OF INTRAVENOUS NITROGLYCERIN FOR EMERGENCY CERVICOUTERINE RELAXATION

A patient with a twin pregnancy was in preterm labour after 25 gestational weeks when, during vaginal delivery of the second thin, severe spasm of the cervix and fetal bradycardia ensued. Induction oi general anesthesia did not relax the cervix. After bolus doses of nitroglycerin 100+50 mu g i.v., prompt cervico-uterine relaxation was obtained allowing manual extraction of the baby. A short review of the literature and a summary of our experience in the administration of nitroglycerin i.v. in obstetrics are presented.