Comparison of Magnesium Sulfate and Nifedipine in Prevention of Preterm Labor

Introduction- Fetal and neonatal complications are more common in premature than full term pregnancy. Treatment of preterm labor and postpone delivery increases neonatal survival and better quality of life and reduces health care costs for premature infants. This study aimed to compare the effects of Nifedipine and Magnesium sulfate in arresting preterm labor and to adverse the effects of these drugs. Materials and Methods- This randomized and clinical trial study was performed on 100 pregnant women who were hospitalized for preterm labor pain. The participants were pregnant women with the gestational age of 28 to 34 weeks and with a single pregnancy and symptoms of preterm were studied. They were randomly divided into two equal groups. After not suppressing the pain by fluid therapy, in the first group Magnesium sulfate infused injection (N=50) was performed, while in the second group, oral Nifedipine were given. The research uses SPSS software (version 20) statistical software issue 20 to analyze the result of tests with descriptive statistical methods including independent T test and chi square test. Results- Mean maternal age, gestational age, parity converted Magnesium sulfate and Nifedipine group had no significant difference in statistical analysis. Delivery was delayed more than 48 hours in 48% (24 person) of cases in the Magnesium sulfate group and in 72% (36 person) in Nifedipine group (p=0.03). A statistically significant difference in response to treatment was more in group of Nifedipine. Conclusion- The results showed that Nifedipine is more effective than Magnesium sulfate in postponing delivery (more than 48 hours), producing minimal side effect, having adequate price and applying an easy use method. Therefore, Nifedipine, as a tocolytic, can be a good substitute for Magnesium sulfate in preterm labor treatment.