Determination of the Efficacy of 600mcg Oral Misoprostol in the Prevention of Postpartum Haemorrhage

Abstract

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a fatal complication of the third stage of labour. PPH accounts for 25% maternal mortality worldwide. Fortunately most PPH cases are preventable and thus can significantly reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. Misoprostol, a PGE1 analogue, an uterotonic, is inexpensive, easily available with simple route of administration. The study group was given 600mcg of misoprostol within 5 min of clamping of cord and blood loss was measured with help of BRASS-V delivery drape. The parameters ascertained were total blood loss in third stage of labour, length of third stage, time taken for retraction of uterus, need of any additional uterotonic drug or surgical intervention, need for blood transfusion, adverse effect of 600mcg of oral misoprostol. Oral administration of 600mcg misoprostol is an effective method of preventing PPH, though it may not be as effective as potent uterotonics like ergometrine or PGF2alpha. Nevertheless, it scores over them in low resource settings due to its cost effectiveness, and ease of availability, transport, storage and administration to the patient.