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Abstract
One hundred twelve patients in preterm labor were followed prospectively, with electrocardiograms
taken before ritodrine therapy and at 6 and 24 hours of treatment. Ninety-six percent
of patients developed sinus tachycardia. Other changes were seen in 79% of the study
group. These changes included ST segment depression in 70%, T wave flattening or inversion
in 55%, and prolongation of the QT interval in 35% of our sample. None of the electrocardiograms
showed the presence of significant axis deviation, a change in QRS interval, or arrhythmia.
No correlation was seen between symptoms of ischemia and electrocardiographic changes.
A drop in potassium concentration was noted initially, but a direct correlation between
potassium concentrations and frequency of electrocardiographic changes was not present.
We conclude that the electrocardiographic changes that are often observed during myocardial
ischemia may be frequent in asymptomatic patients treated with ritodrine and that
these changes may be a physiologic expression of ritodrine-induced tachycardia or
hypokalemia. The validity of the use of the presence of electrocardiographic changes
as the only criterion for discontinuation of ritodrine therapy is questioned.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
December 12,
1985
Received in revised form:
December 6,
1985
Received:
August 23,
1985
Identification
Copyright
© 1986 Published by Elsevier Inc.
