Betamimetics for suspected impaired fetal growth (Cochrane Review)

A substantive amendment to this systematic review was last made on 31 May 2001. Cochrane reviews are regularly checked and updated if necessary.

Background: Betamimetic drugs may promote fetal growth by increasing the availability of nutrients and by decreasing vascular resistance. They may also induce adverse effects via their effects on carbohydrate metabolism.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of betamimetic therapy for suspected impaired fetal growth on fetal growth and perinatal outcome.

Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (November 2002).

Selection criteria: Randomised trials of betamimetic therapy compared with no betamimetic therapy or placebo in women with suspected impaired fetal growth.

Data collection and analysis: Eligibility and trial quality was assessed.

Main results: Two studies of 118 women were included. No statistically significant differences were found between the betamimetic groups and the control groups for low birth weight (relative risk 1.17, 95% confidence interval 0.75 to 1.83), other anthropometric measures or neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Reviewers' conclusions: Larger, well-designed studies are needed to evaluate the effects of betamimetics on fetal growth. Since there is potential for adverse effects due to the pharmacological characteristics of this group of drugs, data related to any potential harms should be collected in addition to beneficial effects.

Citation: Say L, Gülmezoglu AM, Hofmeyr GJ. Betamimetics for suspected impaired fetal growth (Cochrane Review). In: The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2003. Oxford: Update Software.

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This is an abstract of a regularly updated, systematic review prepared and maintained by the Cochrane Collaboration. The full text of the review is available in The Cochrane Library (ISSN 1464-780X).

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