Oxytocin and obesity: 2015-2017 literature review on oxytocin use in obese women

Abstract

As obesity becomes more prevalent, research regarding oxytocin use is increasing as well. A literature review from 2015-2017 assessing oxytocin use in obesity highlighted this evolving field. Body Max Index (BMI) alone appears to contribute to blunted myometrial and therefore contractile responses seen in obese women. The interplay of elevated progesterone and leptin contribute to this phenomenon, and maybe explain the elevated oxytocin dosing seen amongst this population. None the less, the effects of obesity on the mode of delivery is still controversial, with some investigators claiming the interval from induction to delivery, delivery within 24 hours, vaginal delivery within 24 hours, and the cesarean delivery rate did not vary between stratified classes of obesity. Conversely, the authors concluded that as BMI increases the women undergoing induction with misoprostol have a longer time to delivery, require greater quantities of misoprostol, longer duration of oxytocin, and increased cesarean section rates. Amongst the literature, there is a consistent message that obese women are somehow different. Investigating the information retrospectively highlights areas, which necessitate prospective trails and assessment.