Intravenous Tocolytic Therapy for Long Distance Aeromedical Transport of Women in Preterm Labour in Western Australia

Transport of women in preterm labour in Western Australia is conducted in small fixed wing aircraft over distances up to 2,000 km (1,200 miles). In recent years β-sympathomimetic inhibition of uterine activity has been employed to reduce the risk of delivery during transfer. This study reports the outcome of routine use of this therapy in which at times classical contraindications have not been observed. During 1983 and 1984, 99 consecutive maternal aerial transfers for preterm labour using β-sympathomimetic drugs by infusion resulted in only 1 case of pulmonary oedema and 2 of maternal hyperglycaemia. There were no deliveries during the flights. The results of this study suggest β-sympathomimetic inhibition of uterine activity for women in preterm labour is safe and efficacious therapy for long distance aeromedical evacuation in small aircraft.