Two different treatment regimens in women with preterm contractions who were admitted to a hospital due to a presumptive diagnosis of preterm labor: An observational study

Abstract

Aim: To determine the effect of adherence to a set of clinical practice guidelines (CPG) for the management of preterm contractions on health-care resource consumption and pregnancy outcomes. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care university hospital from January 2003 to December 2004. Comparisons were made between the cases receiving treatment according to the CPG (CPG group) and those receiving treatment deviating from the CPG (non-CPG group). Results: There were 203 patients with preterm contractions. Compared with the CPG group, the non-CPG group had a higher rate of both tocolytic and steroid use, a longer maternal hospital stay, and a lower neonatal birthweight. Conclusions: Adherence to CPG in patients with preterm contractions at 28+0-36+6 weeks' gestation consumes fewer health-care resources without compromising pregnancy outcomes. © 2007 The Authors.