Abstract | OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to study the effectiveness of continuous subcutaneous terbutaline (SQT) in the home after recurrent preterm labor (RPTL). STUDY DESIGN: Women with RPTL at less than 32 weeks' gestation were treated with continuous SQT administered in the home compared with matched control patients. RESULTS: Fifteen SQT patients were compared with 45 women (3:1) treated with no tocolytic therapy after hospitalization. Gestational age at delivery more than 37 weeks (53% vs 4%), percentage delivered at less than 32 weeks (0% vs 47%), overall and pregnancy prolongation (49.8 +/- 19.2 days vs 24.5 +/- 12.8 days) were all significantly better in the study group (P <.001). The total number of maternal hospital days (9.8 +/- 2.1 vs 15.9 +/- 7.4, P <.0001), duration of NICU stay (1.9 +/- 4.9 vs 19.8 +/- 29.3 days, P <.001), and total cost for newborn care (6,995 +/- 14,822 US dollars vs 62,033 +/- 89,978 US dollars, P <.002) favored the study patients. For every dollar spent on SQT, there was a savings of 4.67 US dollars in newborn hospital costs for control patients. CONCLUSION: In this small study, the use of SQT significantly prolongs pregnancy, decreases serious neonatal complications, and reduces the duration of hospitalization for both mother and infant, as well as neonatal costs.
|
Authors | John C Morrison, Suneet P Chauhan, C Shannon Carroll Sr, James A Bofill, Everett F Magann |
Journal | American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
(Am J Obstet Gynecol)
Vol. 188
Issue 6
Pg. 1460-5; discussion 1465-7
(Jun 2003)
ISSN: 0002-9378 [Print] United States |
PMID | 12824979
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
- Tocolytic Agents
- Terbutaline
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Australia
- Cohort Studies
- Female
- Home Infusion Therapy
(economics)
- Hospital Costs
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Infusion Pumps
- Injections, Subcutaneous
- Intensive Care, Neonatal
(economics)
- Length of Stay
- Obstetric Labor, Premature
(economics, prevention & control)
- Pregnancy
- Recurrence
- Terbutaline
(administration & dosage, economics)
- Tocolytic Agents
(administration & dosage, economics)
|