[Continuous subcutaneous administration of terbutaline in the therapy of threatening premature labour]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tocolytic efficacy of terbutaline, administered subcutaneously in a low-dose continuous infusion, and intermittent high-dose boluses. The population study consisted of 13 women admitted with the diagnosis of Threatened Preterm Labour. Before starting chronic infusion by terbutaline, patients received 48 hour of therapy with intravenous MgSO4 for acute tocolysis. Therapy with microinfusor was continued until the 37th week of gestation or until labor. The mean gestational age at the beginning of therapy was 25.6 +/- 3.5 and pregnancies were prolonged an average of 65.5 +/- 29 days. In any case uterine activity was diminished by terbutaline therapy in all patients. Patient tolerance was excellent and there were no significant complications due to the therapy.