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SummaryThe changes in central venous pressure (CVP) in patients who received ergometrine, oxytocin, ergometrine with oxytocin (Syntometrine), or no oxytocic drug in the third stage of labour have been compared. The results showed that there was a significant rise in central venous pressure after the administration of ergometrine and Syntometrine. When diazepam was given late in the first stage of labour to a group of patients who received Syntometrine during the course of delivery the changes in CVP were not significantly different from those of the control group. In addition, the administration of oxytocin in the management of the third stage did not produce a significant rise in CVP. The volume of blood lost was significantly reduced in all subjects by the use of oxytocic drugs.

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