A Comparative Study on Oxytocics in the Active Management of Third Stage of Labour

Abstract

BACKGROUNDA number of oxytocic drugs are recommended for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage. Different studies claim superiority of one drug over the other with conflicting results. Aim-With this background, synthetic oxytocin IM, Inj. Methergine IM and Tab. Misoprostol P/R were used in 3 groups to observe their effects on blood loss, duration of 3 rd stage of labour, need for additional uterotonics and adverse effects. MATERIALS AND METHODSSettings and Design-Tertiary care centre, Kolkata. Clinical trial, non-randomised with single blinding.A total of 150 uncomplicated pregnant mothers divided into 3 groups of 50 each were administered inj. Synthetic Oxytocin (Syntocinon) 10 units IM (Group A), Inj. Methergine 0.2 mg IM (Group B) and Tab. Misoprostol 600 mcg P/R (Group C) immediately after delivery of the baby. Vaginal blood was collected in a special receptacle (BRASS-V-DRAPE). Blood loss, duration of 3 rd stage, additional uterotonics and adverse effects were noted. Statistical Analysis-With Statistical Analysis Software (SPSS, Version 16) using ANOVA test followed by Post hoc, Tukey test. RESULTSBlood loss and duration of 3 rd stage were least with Oxytocin and maximum with Misoprostol with Methergine in between. Additional uterotonics were more often needed with Misoprostol when compared with the other two (Statistically significant). Adverse effects with oxytocin was least. CONCLUSIONSynthetic oxytocin has more advantages and less side effects compared to other oxytocics used in the study. However, additional uterotonics should be in hand.