Abstract
Background
Post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) is the most common direct cause of maternal mortality and timely intervention can save many lives.
Objective
To compare the effectiveness of sublingual misoprostol to intravenous oxytocin in preventing post-partum hemorrhage in low risk vaginal birth.
Methods
One hundred patients with no risk factor for PPH were randomly allocated to receive 600 μg misoprostol administered sublingually or 10 IU of intravenous oxytocin immediately after the delivery of baby. Main outcome measures were post-partum blood loss, drop in hemoglobin in 24 h, duration of third stage of labor, and drug-related adverse effects.
Results
Mean age, parity and gestational age were similar in both groups. Mean blood loss was significantly lower in oxytocin group (114.28 ± 26.75 versus 149.50 ± 30.78 ml; p = 0.00). Drop in hemoglobin was 0.31 ± 0.16 versus 0.49 ± 0.21 g% (p = 0.01) in oxytocin and misoprostol group, respectively. Duration of third stage labor was shorter in oxytocin group (median 5 min, IQR: 4.5–5.5 versus 5.5 min, IQR: 5–6 min, p < 0.01). Although fever and shivering were common adverse effects with misoprostol but were not clinically significant.
Conclusion
Intravenous oxytocin is more efficacious than sublingual misoprostol in preventing PPH in institutional deliveries.
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We declare that we have no conflict of interest. We have full control on primary data and we allow the journal to review our data if requested.
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Dr. R. Tewatia was previously working in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Batra Hospital and Medical Research Center, New Delhi.
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Tewatia, R., Rani, S., Srivastav, U. et al. Sublingual misoprostol versus intravenous oxytocin in prevention of post-partum hemorrhage. Arch Gynecol Obstet 289, 739–742 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-013-3026-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-013-3026-2