Nifedipine in the management of preterm labor: a systematic review and metaanalysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#adrenergic-beta-2-receptor-agonists #female #humans #magnesium-sulfate #nifedipine

Nifedipine in the management of preterm labor: a systematic review and metaanalysis

Conde-Agudelo et al., 2011 | Am J Obstet Gynecol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Conde-Agudelo Agustín, Romero Roberto, Kusanovic Juan Pedro. Nifedipine in the management of preterm labor: a systematic review and metaanalysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2011-Feb;204(2):134.e1-20. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2010.11.038

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of nifedipine as a tocolytic agent in women with preterm labor. STUDY DESIGN: A systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials. RESULTS: Twenty-six trials (2179 women) were included. Nifedipine was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of delivery within 7 days of initiation of treatment and before 34 weeks' gestation, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal jaundice, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit when compared with β₂-adrenergic-receptor agonists. There was no difference between nifedipine and magnesium sulfate in tocolytic efficacy. Nifedipine was associated with significantly fewer maternal adverse events than β₂-adrenergic-receptor agonists and magnesium sulfate. Maintenance nifedipine tocolysis was ineffective in prolonging gestation or improving neonatal outcomes when compared with placebo or no treatment. CONCLUSION: Nifedipine is superior to β₂-adrenergic-receptor agonists and magnesium sulfate for tocolysis in women with preterm labor.

Key Findings

Twenty-six trials (2179 women) were included. Nifedipine was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of delivery within 7 days of initiation of treatment and before 34 weeks' gestation, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, neonatal jaundice, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit when compared with β₂-adrenergic-receptor agonists. There was no difference between nifedipine and magnesium sulfate in tocolytic efficacy. Nifedi

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition stress

MeSH Terms

  • Adrenergic beta-2 Receptor Agonists
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnesium Sulfate
  • Nifedipine
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature
  • Pregnancy
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Tocolytic Agents
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: magnesium

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09