Comparison of Nitroglycerin and Terbutaline for External Cephalic Version in Women Who Received Neuraxial Anesthesia: A Retrospective Analysis

Anesth Analg. 2020 Mar;130(3):e58-e62. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000004155.

Abstract

External cephalic version is a technique that decreases the need for cesarean delivery in patients with breech presentation. Several techniques exist to increase the success of external cephalic version; however, there are no studies comparing different tocolytics in patients who also received neuraxial anesthesia. We, therefore, performed a review of 198 patients who presented for external cephalic version and compared their success rates based on the tocolytic medication utilized. The external cephalic version success rate for patients who received terbutaline was significantly higher than for those who received nitroglycerin (N [%]: 57 [65.6] terbutaline group versus 40 [36.0] nitroglycerin group; P < .001).

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Anesthesia, Obstetrical* / adverse effects
  • Breech Presentation / surgery*
  • Cesarean Section
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Live Birth
  • Nitroglycerin / administration & dosage*
  • Nitroglycerin / adverse effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Terbutaline / administration & dosage*
  • Terbutaline / adverse effects
  • Tocolytic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Tocolytic Agents / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Version, Fetal* / adverse effects

Substances

  • Tocolytic Agents
  • Nitroglycerin
  • Terbutaline