Abstract

Background: Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) refers to PROM before 37 weeks of gestation. It is responsible for, or associated with, approximately one-third of preterm births and the single most common identifiable factor associated with preterm labor (PTL). This is the leading cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. Management of preterm labor includes bed rest, adequate hydration, prophylactic cervical cerclage and use of tocolytic drugs. Administrations of tocolytic drugs including magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) and ritodrine have considerable influences on pregnancy outcomes. Objective: The present study aimed at comparing between the effects of magnesium sulphate administration and ritodrine on delaying the active phase of labor in women with premature rupture of membrane (PROM) and preterm labor, and determining the best drug with best results and fewest side effects. Patients and Methods: The present study was conducted on 80 patients, with established PROM, whose gestational ages ranged between 28 and 34 weeks, admitted to the hospital with PROM with PTL. In the current study, patients were allocated into two equal groups: group A (MgSO4), and group B (Ritodrine). Results: Both drugs (MgSO4 and ritodrine) were effective on prolonging the gestational age of the studied women in both groups, and there was no significant difference between both groups. MgSO4 had fewer side effects than ritodrine, and there was significant difference between both groups. Conclusion: Both magnesium sulphate and ritodrine increase delay in reaching the active phase of labor in women with PROM with preterm labor.

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