Intrauterine resuscitation with terbutaline: a method for the management of acute intrapartum fetal distress.

Terbutaline, a selective beta-2 adrenergic receptor stimulator, has been used to decrease myometrial activity and improve uteroplacental blood flow in 15 patients with acute intrapartum fetal distress. In all cases electronic monitoring gave evidence of partial or total fetal recovery after therapy. Thirteen of these patients were delivered by cesarean section and two were allowed to resume labor and deliver vaginally. In 10 cases the initial Apgar score was 7 or more and in all cases the score was 7 or more after 5 minutes of life. No significant maternal morbidity occurred as a consequence of the treatment. These results suggest that inhibition of uterine activity with terbutaline may be a valuable maneuver in the management of patients with severe intrapartum fetal distress.