TERBUTALINE PUMP TOCOLYSIS IN HIGH-ORDER MULTIPLE GESTATION

OBJECTIVE: To review terbutaline pump tocolytic therapy as part of the management of high-order multiple gestations (triplet and quadruplet pregnancies). STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective review of the medical records of triplet and quadruplet pregnancies cared for by Ph oenix Perinatal Associates from August 1988 to January 1992 in whom te rbutaline pump tocolysis was administered. RESULTS: The study group co nsisted of 15 triplet pregnancies and 6 quadruplet pregnancies. The 15 patients with triplets delivered at a mean (+/- SD) gestational age o f 33.0 +/- 1.9 weeks. The six patients with quadruplets delivered at 3 3.0 +/- 1.3 weeks. Only 2 of 15 (13%) of the triplets and 1 of 6 (17%) of the quadruplets were delivered for tocolytic failure. CONCLUSION: Terbutaline pump tocolysis provides safe and effective tocolytic thera py in a select group of high-order multifetal gestations.