ST segment depression in paired electrocardiograms and serum electrolytes in pregnant women receiving intravenous ritodrine |
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| Authors: | G R Cohen W F O'Brien R A Knuppel |
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| Institution: | Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa. |
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| Abstract: | Forty-three women admitted for preterm labor had electrocardiograms and serum potassium and glucose levels determined before and two and four hours after the initiation of intravenous ritodrine tocolysis. The ST segment depression found at two and four hours was significant but not dependent upon a fall in potassium or increase in the heart rate or glucose level. Such symptoms as chest pain and dyspnea were also not dependent upon potassium, glucose or heart rate changes. These findings support the concept of an intrinsic drug effect. |
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