Terbutaline pump tocolysis in high-order multiple gestation.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To review terbutaline pump tocolytic therapy as part of the management of high-order multiple gestations (triplet and quadruplet pregnancies). STUDY DESIGN We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of triplet and quadruplet pregnancies cared for by Phoenix Perinatal Associates from August 1988 to January 1992 in whom terbutaline pump tocolysis was administered. RESULTS The study group consisted of 15 triplet pregnancies and 6 quadruplet pregnancies. The 15 patients with triplets delivered at a mean (+/- SD) gestational age of 33.0 +/- 1.9 weeks. The six patients with quadruplets delivered at 33.0 +/- 1.3 weeks. Only 2 of 15 (13%) of the triplets and 1 of 6 (17%) of the quadruplets were delivered for tocolytic failure. CONCLUSION Terbutaline pump tocolysis provides safe and effective tocolytic therapy in a select group of high-order multifetal gestations.