A randomized, controlled trial comparing effect of oral misoprostol and intravenous syntocinon on intra-operative blood loss during cesarean section

Abstract

Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2001; 80: 245-250. C Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2001 Background. Oxytocics are routinely used in an attempt to prevent excessive blood loss during cesarean section. Misoprostol, a potent uterotonic agent, has been reported to be useful in the prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage by several investigators but its use during cesarean section has not been described. The objective of this study was to randomly compare the effectiveness of oral misoprostol with intravenous syntocinon on blood loss during elective cesarean sections under regional anesthesia. Methods. Sixty pregnant women were randomized either to receive misoprostol 400 micrograms orally or syntocinon 10 IU intravenously during cesarean section. The primary outcome measure was intra-operative blood loss as estimated by physicians, and by values of preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit. Demographic characteristics of the subjects and outcomes were compared using c-square test for categorical and two-sample t-test for continuous data. Results. Baseline characteristics in terms of age, body weight, parity, gestational age and indications for cesarean section were similar in both groups. The estimated blood loss was 545 ml (CI 476-614) in misoprostol group and 533 ml (CI 427-639) in syntocinon group (pΩ 0.85). Differences in preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit values were also similar in both groups. Two women in the misoprostol group and three in the syntocinon group (pΩ0.64) required additional oxytocics. One patient in each group required blood transfusion. No serious side effects were noted in either group. Conclusion. Oral misoprostol appears to be safe and as effective as intravenous syntocinon in reduction of intra-operative blood loss during elective cesarean section under regional anesthesia and merits further investigation.

Effect of oxytocin infusion on reducing the blood loss during abdominal myomectomy: a double‐blind randomised controlled trial

“…19,20 The reason for the lack of such complications in our study probably reflects the relatively low dose of oxytocin related. 23,24 In this study, mobilisation was on average nearly 3 hours earlier in the oxytocin groups, which may have been an important factor in preventing thromboembolic complications.…”

Effect of sublingual misoprostol versus intravenous oxytocin on reducing blood loss at cesarean section in Nigeria: A randomized controlled trial

“…In addition, the sublingual route avoids discomfort and possible fecal contamination that is associated with the rectal route, which will be impracticable during CS. 22,[24][25][26][27][28] In India and Guinea Bissau 17,28,29 the advantage of sublingual misoprostol has been explored by allowing trained traditional birth attendants in rural areas to administer misoprostol after vaginal delivery and this has resulted in significant reduction in the number of patients referred to a tertiary center for postpartum hemorrhage.…”

A randomized controlled trial of sublingual Misoprostol - 600µg versus intravenous Oxytocin - 10IU in prevention of post partum hemorrhage during cesarean section

“…This was observed by Acharya et al as well. 15 Misoprostol is not effective if blood loss was ˃1000 ml. Additional drugs were used for 8 patients who received Misoprostol.…”