[Examinations on the pathomechanism of severe cardio-pulmonary hazards under i.v. tocolytic treatment with beta-adrenergic drugs (author's transl)].

Lungs edemas in five pregnant women under i.v. tocolytic treatment with betaadrenergic drugs between the 28.--33. week of gestation are reported. Additionally, in all cases Betamethasone was given to prevent fetal lungs dysmaturity. Within less than 72 hours the occurrence of lungs edema was observed when both drugs were given simultaneously. These findings are in agreement with those of other authors, who observed similar symptoms in as well clinically healthy pregnant women under the same therapy. As the underlying pathomechanism the coincidence of the following factors are discussed: 1. An increased pressure in the pulmonary circulatory system as found in current, not yet published heart catheter investigations. 2. A reduced colloidosmotic pressure caused by Beta-methasone.