SUCCESS OF EXTERNAL CEPHALIC VERSION WITH TERBUTALINE AS TOCOLYTIC AGENT

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To find out the role of Terbutaline in external cephalic version (ECV) in terms of successful version to cephalic presentation. METHODS: This observational study was conducted in Peshawar Health Center (PHC) University Town, Peshawar, Pakistan from 15th August 2015 to 9th November 2016. Patients having uncomplicated breech presentation with 36-42 weeks’ gestation and having no contraindication for ECV were included in the study. All patients were given Injection Terbutaline subcutaneously (s/c) 15 minutes before the procedure. ECV was performed by a single skilled consultant obstetrician. After the procedure the mother and the fetus were observed for any complication. Success was defined in terms of conversion of the fetus from breech to cephalic presentation. All the relevant data including demographic data was entered in a pre-designed proforma and was evaluated using SPSS vs. 17. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients having uncomplicated breech fetuses at 36-42 weeks were included in the study. Mean age of the patients was 29.37±7.04 years. Twenty-nine were primigravida (36.25%), 38 (47.5%) multigravida and 13 (16.25%) were grand multi gravida. Success rate was 83.7%. There were no serious maternal or fetal complications except 2(2.5%) fetuses having transient bradycardia. CONCLUSION: Terbutaline is a safe tocolytic drug for ECV in terms of successful version to cephalic presentation. KEY WORDS: Terbutaline (MeSH), external cephalic version (Non-MeSH), breech presentation (MeSH)