Journal of North Khorasan

Abstract Background & Objectives: In human preterm birth refers to the birth of a baby with less than 37 weeks gestational age. Preterm labor is defined as the initiation of uterine contractions of sufficient frequency and intensity leading to progressive effacement and dilation of the cervix every time between 20 and 37 wk gestational age. The purpose of this study was to determine the celecoxib effectiveness on stopping preterm labor compared to indomethacin and magnesium sulfate. Materials & Methods: This study is a double-blind clinical trial on 400 patients between 24 to 34 weeks with a diagnosis of preterm labor in the Imam Khomeini hospital in Sari during 2009-10. This was a randomized study of patients who had twin pregnancy and intact amniotic membrane, do not responding to treatment with hydration and analgesics and cervical dilatation and effacement was on the rise. patients were divided into three groups receiving magnesium sulfate, indomethacin and celecoxib. In order to measure the Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI), Ultrasonography was carried out at 24, 48, and 72 hours after beginning of the treatment. Results: 400 patients mean age 26.1±4.6 years completed the trial. A significant statistical difference in favor of celecoxib was observed between these groups. Totally, 87.9% of patients used celecoxib and magnesium sulfate were respond to tocolysis. Conclusion: Celecoxib is as effective as magnesium sulfate for primary tocolysis.