Intrapartum tocolysis has no effect on fetal lactate concentration

Abstract

Objective: To assess the fetal metabolic effects of intrapartum maternal tocolysis with terbutaline in the presence of fetal heart rate abnormalities, with a special emphasis on lactate concentration, in view of its potential use as a marker of fetal condition. Design: Descriptive study. Setting: Two labour wards, National University Hospital, Singapore, and Ostersund Hospital, Sweden. Methods: Eight parturients with abnormal intrapartum fetal heart rate recordings were given bolus i.v. injection of 0.25 mg terbutaline and monitored both before and 20 minutes after treatment. Results: Maternal venous glucose increased from 5.0 (0.9) (mean (SD)) to 5.6 (1.2) mmol/l (p=0.002) and fetal scalp blood glucose rose from 4.1 (1.8) to 4.7 (1.4) mmol/l (p=0.009) 20 minutes after the injection. No significant change was found in maternal or fetal lactate concentrations. Conclusion: Terbutaline tocolysis for 'intrauterine resuscitation' does not affect fetal lactate concentration 20 minutes after treatment. Copyright (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.