Comparison of Nifedipine Oral and Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate in the treatment of preterm labor

Delivery before 37 weeks is called preterm labor. Preterm labor is one of the major problems in obstetrics, and the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality in the infants. This study was designed to compare the effects of oral Nifedipine and injectable magnesium sulfate for treatment of preterm labor in Ali-ebne-abitaleb hospital in zahdan, from 1384 to 1386. This randomized and clinical trial study was performed on 110 pregnant women who were hospitalized for suppression of preterm labor pain. The participants were divided into two groups, randomly. The pain being not suppressed by bed rest and Fluid therapy, in the first group Magnesium Sulfate infused injection was performed, and the second group were given oral Nifedipine. Uterine contractions were controlled by touching. Descriptive statistics, an independent T-test and Chi-square calculated by SPSS (11) were used for statistical analyses. There were no significant statistical differences between groups, regarding the age of pregnancy and mother's parity. The results showed equal labor pains (83.6%) controlled in both groups in the first 24 hours. Also, comparison of labor pains suppression in both groups did not show significant differences after 48 hours. Overall, side effects in magnesium-sulfate-treated group (54.5%) were more than Nifedipine-treated group (22%). Neonatal outcomes were similar in both groups. Regarding the equal results of this study, ease of consumption and related side effects depend on the specific case. We can use one of these two drugs for suppression of labor pains, alternatively. Nifedipine can be used in suppression of labor pains instead of magnesium sulfate patients who do not have low blood pressure.