Effect of ritodrine on heart structure and function of pregnant women who after treatment for threat of preterm birth: A report based on echocardiographic assessment

• Main Authors: Xiao-Jing Cui, Si-Ze Wu, Shi-Bin Lin, Xiao-Mei Zheng, Die Chen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Editorial Board of Journal of Hainan Medical University 2019-08-01
• Series: Journal of Hainan Medical University
• Subjects: pregnancy; preterm birth; ritodrine
• Online Access: http://www.hnykdxxb.com/PDF/201915/15.pdf
• ISSN: 1007-1237; 1007-1237

Objective: To evaluate the possible effects of ritodrine on the heart structure and function of pregnant women who had threat of preterm birth by echocardiography. Methods: From September 2012 to December 2018, totally 112 women in the second and third trimester pregnancy with sign and symptom of preterm birth were included, and those with contraindication to ritodrine and other several diseases were excluded. Firstly they were divided into four groups according to the time of medication and number of fetuses: Group A: Twin pregnancy, the first time of ritodrine medication was in 48 h; Group B: Twin pregnancy, the last time of ritodrine medication; Group C: Single pregnancy, the first time of ritodrine medication was in 48 h; Group D: Single pregnancy, the last time of ritodrine medication. Secondly, singleton pregnancies were divided into four groups according to the time of ritodrine medication and the age of pregnant women: Group E: Single pregnancy of age 21- 34 years old, the first time of ritodrine medication was in 48 h; Group F: Single pregnancy of age 21-34 years old, the last time of ritodrine medication; Group G: Single pregnancy of age 35-49 years old, the first time of ritodrine medication was in 48h; Group H: Single pregnancy of age 35-49 years old, the last time of ritodrine medication. Ehocardiography were used to examine the hearts of pregnant women, and relevant parameters were filed, including LAD1, LAD2, LVD, RA, RVD, IVST, LVPWT, EF, E, A, AVmax, TRVmax, and PE. Results: Comparing the heart parameters between group A and group B, there were no significant difference(all P>0.05); there were significant differences of LAD1, LVD, and EF between group A and group C (P<0.05); there was significant difference in E between group C and group D (P<0.05); Comparing group E with group G, there was only significant difference in PE (P<0.05); Comparing with group H, LVD, E, and TRVmax in group F, there were significant differences (P<0.05). Comparing the rest items, there was no significant difference (all P>0.05). Conclusion: The treatment of preterm birth using ritodrine may bring effect on the heart structure and function of pregnant women, and echocardiography can early find and assess the changes of maternal heart structure and function.