Oxytocin receptor antagonists for inhibiting preterm labour

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: Primary objectives of the review 1. To assess the effects on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes of oxytocin receptor antagonists administered as a tocolytic agent to women in preterm labour when compared with either placebo or no intervention. 2. To assess the effects on maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes of oxytocin receptor antagonists administered as a tocolytic agent to women in preterm labour when compared with any other tocolytic agent. Secondary objective A secondary objective of the review is to determine whether the effects of oxytocin receptor antagonists when compared with no tocolytic or any other tocolytic agent are influenced by different population characteristics and duration of tocolytic therapy as follows: (i) women commenced on tocolysis before 28 weeks' gestation; (ii) women commenced on tocolysis after membrane rupture; (iii) women with a multiple pregnancy; (iv) women receiving maintenance tocolytic therapy (use of tocolytic agents for the prevention of preterm birth after an episode of threatened preterm labour that was stopped with initial tocolytic therapy).