[Comparison of the rate of maternal complications of nifedipine and nicardipine in cases of preterm labor: historical study on two consecutive periods].

OBJECTIVES: Calcium channel blockers are the most frequently used tocolytics as first-line in France, frequently intravenously (nicardipine [Loxen(®)]). We would like to compare the side effects of intravenous nicardipine and oral nifedipine.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a restrospective study on two consecutive periods. On the first period (March 2007-September 2008), 110 patients received intravenous nicardipine for preterm labor, and 67 patients received oral nifedipine on the second period (October 2008-January 2010). Side effects were recorded.
RESULTS: Patients in the nicardipine-treated group had significantly more side effects (31% versus 16% for nifedipine group, P=0.03). No-administration way related adverse events did not differ between the two groups (P=0.1). There was more low blood pressure in patients treated with nifedipine (P=0.03), but shorter hospital stay (5.4 days versus 7.9 days with nicardipine, P=0.05).
CONCLUSION: Using nifedipine simplifies tocolysis administration, and decreases hospital stays without increasing the risk of prematurity.