Metabolic Effects of Ritodrine Hydrochloride in the Pregnant Sheep

DOI Web Site Web Site PubMed 1 Citations

Search this article

Description

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>The effects of ritodrine hydrochloride on maternal and fetal arterial blood pH and pCO<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>, plasma electrolytes and maternal plasma glucose and free fatty acid levels were investigated in the third‐trimester pregnant sheep. Ritodrine produced a slight fall in the maternal and fetal arterial pH without changes in the arterial pC0<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>. The pH values were, however, within a normal range. Increases in the maternal plasma glucose and free fatty acid levels were also observed. Although maternal and fetal plasma sodium and chloride concentrations did not change, the potassium decreased in a dose‐dependent manner both in the ewe and in the fetus following sequential ritodrine infusion. Constant infusion of ritodrine (3 mcg/kg/min), which is a sufficient dose to inhibit uterine contractions, also resulted in a significant decrease in the maternal plasma potassium concentration.</jats:p><jats:p>It appears to be necessary to give attention to the metabolic effects of ritodrine in long‐term therapy of premature labor.</jats:p>

Journal

Citations (1)*help

See more

Keywords

Report a problem

Back to top