Comparison of Oral Nifedipine and Vaginal Progesterone In Prolongation of Pregnancy With Preterm Labor

Maryam Arif, Sadaf Zohra, Umairah Yaqub

Abstract

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of oral nifedipine and vaginal progesterone in prolongation of the duration of pregnancy with preterm labor.

Study design

Comparative study.

Place & Duration of study

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from March 2016 to September 2016.

Methodology•

A total of 90 women with singleton pregnancy, 18 to 39 years of age were included. Patients with polyhydramnios, preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia were excluded. Using the lottery method, the selected patients were placed randomly assigned into two groups, Group A in which nifedipne was used and Group B where progesterone was given. Frequency of prolongation of duration of labor was noted for both the groups.

Results

In Group A mean age of the women was 28.31.±_5.88 year and mean gestational age 32.33.±_2.62 weeks; while in Group B mean age was 29.58± 5.11 year and mean gestational age 32.47 ± 2.24 weeks. Mean prolongation of pregnancy in nifedipine and progesterone group was 17.39.±11.71 weeks and 47.42± 12.29 weeks respectively. Prolongation of the duration of pregnancy was seen in 33 (73.33%) in group A and 42 (93.33%) in group B with p=0.011.

Conclusion

Effectiveness of vaginal progesterone was higher in prolongation of the duration of pregnancy with preterm labour as compared to oral nifedipine.

Key words

Pregnancy prolongation, Nifedipine, Progesterone.