Open AccessEffects of Intravenous Terbutaline on Maternal Circulation and Fetal Heart Activity
Author(s) -
Roth Anders Cson,
Milsom Ian,
Forssman Lars,
Ekman LarsGoran,
Hedner Thomas
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016349009028684
Subject(s) - medicine , terbutaline , vascular resistance , heart rate , blood pressure , fetal circulation , cardiac output , fetus , anesthesia , mean arterial pressure , hemodynamics , perfusion , cardiology , pregnancy , placenta , biology , asthma , genetics
The effects of terbutaline on maternal circulation and fetal heart activity were studied in 15 healthy pregnant women admitted for external cephalic version. The two‐step infusion of terbutaline (5–10 μg/min) resulted in increases in maternal heart rate (p < 0.001 1, cardiac output (p < 0.001), systolic arterial pressure (p < 0.001) and pulse pressure (p <0.001 1, while diastolic arterial pressure (p < 0.001) and total peripheral vascular resistance (p< 0.001) were reduced. Mean arterial pressure was unchanged after the infusion. Fetal heart activity assessed by cardiotocography showed a gradual increase in baseline fetal heart rate (p < 0.01) and an increased percentage acceleration time (p< 0.05). Fetal movements also increased during the infusion (p < 0.05). The terbutaline infusion had a positive inotropic effect and produced decreased systemic vascular resistance in the pregnant woman, and placental transfer of the drug resulted in increased fetal heart activity. The potential influence of the drug‐induced changes in maternal hemodynamics on utero‐placental perfusion require further investigation.