syntometrine and Postpartum-Hemorrhage

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), defined as a blood loss of 500 mL or more after birth, is the leading cause of maternal death worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all women giving birth should receive a prophylactic uterotonic agent. Despite the routine administration of a uterotonic agent for prevention, PPH remains a common complication causing one-quarter of all maternal deaths globally. When prevention fails and PPH occurs, further administration of uterotonic agents as 'first-line' treatment is recommended. However, there is uncertainty about which uterotonic agent is best for the 'first-line' treatment of PPH.. To identify the most effective uterotonic agent(s) with the least side-effects for PPH treatment, and generate a meaningful ranking among all available agents according to their relative effectiveness and side-effect profile.. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (5 May 2020), and the reference lists of all retrieved studies.. All randomised controlled trials or cluster-randomised trials comparing the effectiveness and safety of uterotonic agents with other uterotonic agents for the treatment of PPH were eligible for inclusion.. Two review authors independently assessed all trials for inclusion, extracted data and assessed each trial for risk of bias. Our primary outcomes were additional blood loss of 500 mL or more after recruitment to the trial until cessation of active bleeding and the composite outcome of maternal death or severe morbidity. Secondary outcomes included blood loss-related outcomes, morbidity outcomes, and patient-reported outcomes. We performed pairwise meta-analyses and indirect comparisons, where possible, but due to the limited number of included studies, we were unable to conduct the planned network meta-analysis. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence.. Seven trials, involving 3738 women in 10 countries, were included in this review. All trials were conducted in hospital settings. Randomised women gave birth vaginally, except in one small trial, where women gave birth either vaginally or by caesarean section. Across the seven trials (14 trial arms) the following agents were used: six trial arms used oxytocin alone; four trial arms used misoprostol plus oxytocin; three trial arms used misoprostol; one trial arm used Syntometrine® (oxytocin and ergometrine fixed-dose combination) plus oxytocin infusion. Pairwise meta-analysis of two trials (1787 participants), suggests that misoprostol, as first-line treatment uterotonic agent, probably increases the risk of blood transfusion (risk ratio (RR) 1.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02 to 2.14, moderate-certainty) compared with oxytocin. Low-certainty evidence suggests that misoprostol administration may increase the incidence of additional blood loss of 1000 mL or more (RR 2.57, 95% CI 1.00 to 6.64). The data comparing misoprostol with oxytocin is imprecise, with a wide range of treatment effects for the additional blood loss of 500 mL or more (RR 1.66, 95% CI 0.69 to 4.02, low-certainty), maternal death or severe morbidity (RR 1.98, 95% CI 0.36 to 10.72, low-certainty, based on one study n = 809 participants, as the second study had zero events), and the use of additional uterotonics (RR 1.30, 95% CI 0.57 to 2.94, low-certainty). The risk of side-effects may be increased with the use of misoprostol compared with oxytocin: vomiting (2 trials, 1787 participants, RR 2.47, 95% CI 1.37 to 4.47, high-certainty) and fever (2 trials, 1787 participants, RR 3.43, 95% CI 0.65 to 18.18, low-certainty). According to pairwise meta-analysis of four trials (1881 participants) generating high-certainty evidence, misoprostol plus oxytocin makes little or no difference to the use of additional uterotonics (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.05) and to blood transfusion (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.17) compared with oxytocin. We cannot rule out an important benefit of using the misoprostol plus oxytocin combination over oxytocin alone, for additional blood loss of 500 mL or more (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.06, moderate-certainty). We also cannot rule out important benefits or harms for additional blood loss of 1000 mL or more (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.34, moderate-certainty, 3 trials, 1814 participants, one study reported zero events), and maternal mortality or severe morbidity (RR 1.09,. The available evidence suggests that oxytocin used as first-line treatment of PPH probably is more effective than misoprostol with less side-effects. Adding misoprostol to the conventional treatment of oxytocin probably makes little or no difference to effectiveness outcomes, and is also associated with more side-effects. The evidence for most uterotonic agents used as first-line treatment of PPH is limited, with no evidence found for commonly used agents, such as injectable prostaglandins, ergometrine, and Syntometrine®.

Topics: Bias; Blood Transfusion; Confidence Intervals; Drug Therapy, Combination; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Misoprostol; Network Meta-Analysis; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the major contributors to maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Active management of the third stage of labour has been proven to be effective in the prevention of PPH. Syntometrine is more effective than oxytocin but is associated with more side effects. Carbetocin, a long-acting oxytocin agonist, appears to be a promising agent for the prevention of PPH.. To determine if the use of oxytocin agonist is as effective as conventional uterotonic agents for the prevention of PPH, and assess the best routes of administration and optimal doses of oxytocin agonist.. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (1 March 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 1 of 4), MEDLINE (1966 to 1 March 2011) and EMBASE (1974 to 1 March 2011). We checked references of articles and communicated with authors and pharmaceutical industry contacts.. Randomised controlled trials which compared oxytocin agonist (carbetocin) with other uterotonic agents or with placebo or no treatment for the prevention of PPH.. Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and extracted data.. We included 11 studies (2635 women) in the review. Six trials compared carbetocin with oxytocin; four of these were conducted for women undergoing caesarean deliveries, one was for women following vaginal deliveries and one did not state the mode of delivery clearly. The carbetocin was administered as 100 µg intravenous dosage across the trials, while oxytocin was administered intravenously but at varied dosages. Four trials compared intramuscular carbetocin and intramuscular syntometrine for women undergoing vaginal deliveries. Three of the trials were on women with no risk factor for PPH, while one trial was on women with risk factors for PPH. One trial compared the use of intravenous carbetocin with placebo. Use of carbetocin resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the need for therapeutic uterotonics (risk ratio (RR) 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44 to 0.88; four trials, 1173 women) compared to oxytocin for those who underwent caesarean section, but not for vaginal delivery. Compared to oxytocin, carbetocin was associated with a reduced need for uterine massage following both caesarean delivery (RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.79; two trials, 739 women) and vaginal delivery (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.51 to 0.94; one trial, 160 women). Pooled data also showed that carbetocin resulted in a lower risk of PPH compared to oxytocin in women who underwent caesarean delivery (RR 0.55; 95% CI 0.31 to 0.95; three trials, 820 women). This is, however, limited by the number of studies and risk of bias in the studies. Comparison between carbetocin and syntometrine showed a lower mean blood loss in women who received carbetocin compared to syntometrine (mean difference (MD) -48.84 ml; 95% CI -94.82 to -2.85; four trials, 1030 women). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of the need for therapeutic uterotonic agents, but the risk of adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting were significantly lower in the carbetocin group: nausea (RR 0.24; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.40; four trials, 1030 women); vomiting (RR 0.21; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.39; four trials, 1030 women). The incidence of postpartum hypertension was also significantly lower in women who received carbetocin compared to those who received syntometrine. Cost-effectiveness of carbetocin was investigated by one study published as an abstract, with limited data.. There is evidence to suggest that 100 µg of intravenous carbetocin is more effective than oxytocin for preventing PPH in women undergoing caesarean deliveries, but more studies are needed to validate this finding. Carbetocin is associated with less blood loss compared to syntometrine in the prevention of PPH for women who have vaginal deliveries and is associated with significantly fewer adverse effects. Further research is needed to analyse the cost-effectiveness of carbetocin as a uterotonic agent.

Topics: Cesarean Section; Delayed-Action Preparations; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Injections, Intravenous; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is one of the major contributors to maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide. Active management of the third stage of labour has been proven to be effective in the prevention of PPH. Syntometrine is more effective than oxytocin but is associated with more side effects. Carbetocin, a long-acting oxytocin agonist, appears to be a promising agent for the prevention of PPH.. To determine if the use of oxytocin agonist is as effective as conventional uterotonic agents for the prevention of PPH, and assess the best routes of administration and optimal doses of oxytocin agonist.. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (1 March 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 1 of 4), MEDLINE (1966 to 1 March 2011) and EMBASE (1974 to 1 March 2011). We checked references of articles and communicated with authors and pharmaceutical industry contacts.. Randomised controlled trials which compared oxytocin agonist (carbetocin) with other uterotonic agents or with placebo or no treatment for the prevention of PPH.. Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and extracted data.. We included 11 studies (2635 women) in the review. Six trials compared carbetocin with oxytocin; four of these were conducted for women undergoing caesarean deliveries, one was for women following vaginal deliveries and one did not state the mode of delivery clearly. The carbetocin was administered as 100 µg intravenous dosage across the trials, while oxytocin was administered intravenously but at varied dosages. Four trials compared intramuscular carbetocin and intramuscular syntometrine for women undergoing vaginal deliveries. Three of the trials were on women with no risk factor for PPH, while one trial was on women with risk factors for PPH. One trial compared the use of intravenous carbetocin with placebo. Use of carbetocin resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the need for therapeutic uterotonics (risk ratio (RR) 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44 to 0.88; four trials, 1173 women) compared to oxytocin for those who underwent caesarean section, but not for vaginal delivery. Compared to oxytocin, carbetocin was associated with a reduced need for uterine massage following both caesarean delivery (RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.37 to 0.79; two trials, 739 women) and vaginal delivery (RR 0.70; 95% CI 0.51 to 0.94; one trial, 160 women). There were no statistically significant differences between carbetocin and oxytocin in terms of risk of any PPH (blood loss greater than 500 ml) or in risk of severe PPH (blood loss greater than 1000 ml). Comparison between carbetocin and syntometrine showed a lower mean blood loss in women who received carbetocin compared to syntometrine (mean difference (MD) -48.84 ml; 95% CI -94.82 to -2.85; four trials, 1030 women). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of the need for therapeutic uterotonic agents, but the risk of adverse effects such as nausea and vomiting were significantly lower in the carbetocin group: nausea (RR 0.24; 95% CI 0.15 to 0.40; four trials, 1030 women); vomiting (RR 0.21; 95% CI 0.11 to 0.39; four trials, 1030 women). The incidence of postpartum hypertension was also significantly lower in women who received carbetocin compared to those who received syntometrine. Cost-effectiveness of carbetocin was investigated by one study published as an abstract, with limited data.. For women who undergo caesarean section, carbetocin resulted in a statistically significant reduction in the need for therapeutic uterotonics compared to oxytocin, but there is no difference in the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage. Carbetocin is associated with less blood loss compared to syntometrine in the prevention of PPH for women who have vaginal deliveries and is associated with significantly fewer adverse effects. Further research is needed to analyse the cost-effectiveness of carbetocin as a uterotonic agent.

Topics: Cesarean Section; Delayed-Action Preparations; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Injections, Intravenous; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

The routine prophylactic administration of an uterotonic agent is an integral part of active management of the third stage of labour, helping to prevent postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). The two most widely used uterotonic agents are: ergometrine-oxytocin (Syntometrine) (a combination of oxytocin 5 international units (iu) and ergometrine 0.5 mg) and oxytocin (Syntocinon).. To compare the effects of ergometrine-oxytocin with oxytocin in reducing the risk of PPH (blood loss of at least 500 ml) and other maternal and neonatal outcomes.. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register (May 2003).. Randomised trials comparing ergometrine-oxytocin use with oxytocin use in women having the third stage of labour managed actively.. We independently assessed trial eligibility and quality and extracted data. We contacted study authors for additional information.. Six trials were included (9332 women). Compared with oxytocin, ergometrine-oxytocin was associated with a small reduction in the risk of PPH using the definition of PPH of blood loss of at least 500 ml (odds ratio 0.82, 95% confidence interval 0.71 to 0.95). This advantage was found for both a dose of 5 iu oxytocin and a dose of 10 iu oxytocin, but was greater for the lower dose. There was no difference detected between the groups using either 5 or 10 iu for the stricter definition of PPH of blood loss at least 1000 ml. Adverse effects of vomiting, nausea and hypertension were more likely to be associated with the use of ergometrine-oxytocin. When heterogeneity between trials was taken into account there were no statistically significant differences found for the other maternal or neonatal outcomes.. The use of ergometrine-oxytocin as part of the routine active management of the third stage of labour appears to be associated with a small but statistically significant reduction in the risk of PPH when compared to oxytocin for blood loss of 500 ml or more. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups for blood loss of 1000 ml or more. A statistically significant difference was observed in the presence of maternal side-effects, including elevation of diastolic blood pressure, vomiting and nausea, associated with ergometrine-oxytocin use compared to oxytocin use. Thus, the advantage of a reduction in the risk of PPH, between 500 and 1000 ml blood loss, needs to be weighed against the adverse side-effects associated with the use of ergometrine-oxytocin.

Topics: Drug Combinations; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Despite evidence that active management of the third stage of labour reduces the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage, expectant management is still widely practised. Factors accounting for this situation include the desire for a more natural experience of childbirth, the philosophy that active management is unnecessary in low-risk women, and avoidance of the adverse effects of conventional uterotonic agents. This review will evaluate the various strategies currently used for the prevention of primary postpartum haemorrhage.. Since publication of the first systematic review comparing active with expectant management in 1988, active management of the third stage using oxytocics has become increasingly adopted. Recent surveys, however, show that there are still wide variations in practice around the world. Recent interest has focused on the use of misoprostol for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage. Carbetocin, an oxytocin receptor agonist, shows promise but has not been evaluated for use after vaginal births.. Active management of the third stage of labour is superior to expectant management in terms of blood loss, postpartum haemorrhage and other serious complications, but is associated with unpleasant side effects and hypertension when ergometrine is included. Intramuscular oxytocin results in fewer side effects. Oral and rectal misoprostol has been extensively assessed and found to be less effective than conventional oxytocics with more side effects. Until alternative regimes of misoprostol are studied in large controlled trials, misoprostol is not recommended for routine use in the third stage of labour. Of the remaining uterotonic agents evaluated, intramuscular carbetocin appears the most promising.

Topics: Delivery, Obstetric; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Prostaglandins; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

Primary postpartum haemorrhage is one of the top five causes of maternal mortality in both developed and developing countries.. The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness and safety of pharmacological and surgical interventions used for the treatment of primary postpartum haemorrhage.. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's trials register (April 2002).. Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing pharmacological, surgical and radiological interventions for the treatment of primary postpartum haemorrhage.. Studies were assessed for eligibility and quality by reviewers independently. Data were extracted into pre-specified data sheets. Authors of the included study were contacted for more information. Analysis was by intention to treat. Results are presented as relative risk with 95% confidence intervals using the fixed effects model.. One trial, comparing rectally administered misoprostol versus syntometrine combined with an oxytocin infusion, met the eligibility criteria and was included in the review. It was not large enough to evaluate the effects of rectal misoprostol on maternal mortality, serious maternal morbidity or hysterectomy rates in women with primary postpartum haemorrhage. Compared with a combination of intramuscular syntometrine injection and oxytocin infusion, rectal misoprostol administration showed a statistically significant reduction in the number of women who continued to bleed after the intervention and those who required medical co-interventions to control the bleeding (6% versus 34%) (relative risk 0.18, 95% confidence interval 0.04 to 0.67). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding surgical interventions to control intractable haemorrhage including hysterectomy, internal iliac artery ligation and/or uterine packing.. Rectal misoprostol in a dose of 800 micrograms could be a useful 'first line' drug for the treatment of primary postpartum haemorrhage. Further randomised controlled trials are required to identify the best drug combinations, route, and dose for the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage.

Topics: Administration, Rectal; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Maternal Mortality; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy

The routine prophylactic administration of an oxytocic agent is an integral part of active management of the third stage of labour. These agents help prevent postpartum haemorrhage.. The objective of this review was to assess the effects of ergometrine-oxytocin (syntometrine) with oxytocin alone in reducing the risk of postpartum haemorrhage (blood loss of equal to or greater than 500 millilitres) and other maternal and neonatal outcomes.. We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group trials register.. Trials of oxytocic drugs (syntometrine or oxytocin) in women having the third stage of labour managed actively.. Eligibility, trial quality assessment and data extraction were done independently by three reviewers. Study authors were contacted for additional information.. Six trials were included. Compared with oxytocin, ergometrine-oxytocin (syntometrine) was associated with a small reduction in the risk of postpartum haemorrhage (odds ratio 0.74, 95% confidence interval 0.65 to 0.85). This advantage was smaller but still significant when 10 international units of oxytocin was used. There was no difference seen between the groups using either five or 10 international units for blood loss equal to or greater than 1000 millilitres. Adverse effects of vomiting and hypertension were associated with the use of ergometrine-oxytocin. No significant differences were found in other maternal or neonatal outcomes.. The use of the combination preparation syntometrine (oxytocin and ergometrine) as part of the routine active management of the third stage of labour appears to be associated with a statistically significant reduction in the risk of postpartum haemorrhage when compared to oxytocin where blood loss is less than 1000ml. No difference was seen between the groups using either five or 10 international units for blood loss equal to or greater than 1000 millilitres. This needs to be weighed against the more common adverse effects associated with the use of syntometrine.

Topics: Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy

To compare oxytocin plus ergometrine against oxytocin alone, when administered as part of the active management of the 3rd stage of labor, in terms of postpartum hemorrhage and manual removal of the placenta.. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial.. A university teaching hospital: Hope Hospital, Salford.. All women delivering in the hospital over the period of the trial, except those for whom a cesarean section was planned, or who had significant hypertension or cardiac disease.. Syntometrine (5 units of oxytocin with 0.5 mg of ergometrine) versus 5 units of Syntocinon (oxytocin), both given by intramuscular injection with delivery of the anterior shoulder.. Postpartum blood loss, the length of the 3rd stage of labor, and the need for manual removal of the placenta.. Four hundred sixty-one women were recruited, 230 allocated to ergometrine plus oxytocin and 231 to oxytocin alone. The duration of the 3rd stage of labor in each group was similar (difference in means 0.2 mins; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.0 to 1.5) and the need for manual removal of the placenta (odds ratio [OR] 1.21; 95% CI, 0.37 to 4.00). There was less postpartum blood loss in the oxytocin plus ergometrine group, reflected in the lower incidence of primary postpartum hemorrhage (> 500 mL) (OR 0.37; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.85).. Judged on the basis of this trial alone, oxytocin plus ergometrine is more effective than oxytocin alone in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. However, evidence from other trials shows that the ergometrine component not uncommonly has side effects of nausea, vomiting, and raised blood pressure. The implications for practice therefore depend on the relative weights placed on these competing risks by women and clinicians. Further research is needed to quantify these along with research into possible differential effects on longer-term outcomes and into the implications of a higher dose of oxytocin.

Topics: Adult; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Placenta; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Treatment Outcome

Prophylactic use of oxytocics reduces the risk of postpartum haemorrhage by about 40%. The analysis presented in this paper assesses which oxytocic preparation is associated with the least risk of postpartum haemorrhage and examines the relative effects of different preparations on the length of the third stage, the risk of manual removal of the placenta, blood pressure and other side-effects. A mixture of oxytocin and ergometrine (Syntometrine) appears to be the safest and most effective prophylactic of the alternatives which have been compared, but the quality of the evidence is not satisfactory. There is scope for a randomized comparison of Syntometrine with oxytocin to obtain unbiased and more precise estimates of their relative effects on postpartum haemorrhage, blood pressure and unpleasant side-effects.

Topics: Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Combinations; Ergonovine; Ergot Alkaloids; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Labor, Obstetric; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy

To compare intramuscular oxytocin, Syntometrine. Randomised double-blinded clinical trial.. Six hospitals in England.. A total of 5929 normotensive women having a singleton vaginal birth.. Randomisation when birth was imminent.. Primary: use of additional uterotonic agents. Secondary: weighed blood loss, transfusion, manual removal of placenta, adverse effects, quality of life.. Participants receiving additional uterotonics: 368 (19.5%) oxytocin, 298 (15.6%) Syntometrine and 364 (19.1%) carbetocin. When pairwise comparisons were made: women receiving carbetocin were significantly more likely to receive additional uterotonics than those receiving Syntometrine (odds ratio [OR] 1.28, 95% CI 1.08-1.51, P = 0.004); the difference between carbetocin and oxytocin was non-significant (P = 0.78); Participants receiving Syntometrine were significantly less likely to receive additional uterotonics than those receiving oxytocin (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.65-0.91, P = 0.002). Non-inferiority between carbetocin and Syntometrine was not shown. Use of Syntometrine reduced non-drug PPH treatments compared with oxytocin (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.42-0.97) but not carbetocin (P = 0.64). Rates of PPH and blood transfusion were not different. Syntometrine was associated with an increase in maternal adverse effects and reduced ability of the mother to bond with her baby.. Non-inferiority of carbetocin to Syntometrine was not shown. Carbetocin is not significantly different to oxytocin for use of additional uterotonics. Use of Syntometrine reduced use of additional uterotonics and need for non-drug PPH treatments compared with oxytocin. Increased maternal adverse effects are a disadvantage of Syntometrine.. IM carbetocin does not reduce additional uterotonic use compared with IM Syntometrine or oxytocin.

Topics: Adult; Blood Transfusion; Delivery, Obstetric; Double-Blind Method; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Hypertension; Injections, Intramuscular; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Puerperal Disorders; Quality of Life

To compare effectiveness and tolerability of carbetocin versus syntometrine in prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after cesarean section (CS).. A double-blind randomized study conducted on 300 pregnant subjected randomly either to single 100 μg IV dose of carbetocin (150 women) or combination of 5 IU oxytocin and 0.2 mg ergometrine (150 women) after fetal extraction and before placental removal. Primary outcome parameter was the occurrence of PPH. Other parameters were hemoglobin and hematocrit changes, the need of additional oxytocic, hemodynamic changes and occurrence of side effects.. There was no significant difference between the two study groups regarding hemoglobin and hematocrit at start of CS and after 2 days of surgery and mean blood loss during the operation (p > 0.05). There was a highly significant difference between the two study groups regarding incidence of primary PPH (2.7% versus10%) and the need of additional oxytocic (3.3% versus17.3%). Women in oxytocin group showed a statistically significant lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure at 1, 5 and 30 min than women in carbetocin group. Women in carbetocin group experienced more metallic taste, flushing, headache, dizziness, dyspnea and itching, while women in oxytocin methergine group experienced more palpitations.. Carbetocin is a reasonable effective alternative to syntometrine in prevention of PPH after cesarean delivery.

Topics: Adult; Cesarean Section; Double-Blind Method; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postoperative Hemorrhage; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Puerperal Disorders; Young Adult

To assess and compare the efficacy and safety of a single intramuscular dose of carbetocin to a single intramuscular dose of syntometrine in managing the third stage of labor following vaginal delivery among women with low risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage.. Prospective double-blind randomized controlled study.. The study included 240 healthy women with viable normal singleton pregnancies achieving normal vaginal delivery at or beyond 37 weeks' gestation during the period from May 2009 to December 2009 at TAIBA Hospital in Kuwait. Women were randomized to receive either a single dose of carbetocin or syntometrine intramuscularly following the delivery of the anterior shoulder of the baby. Outcome measures compared included postpartum hemorrhage requiring additional uterotonic therapy, incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, amount of intrapartum blood loss as well as adverse effects profile.. There was a statistically highly significant difference in the estimated mean blood loss between the carbetocin and syntometrine groups, with a blood loss of 81.5 ml higher in the syntometrine group. The mean drop of hemoglobin concentration 24 h after delivery was 0.8 g/dl in carbetocin group and 1.1 g/dl in syntometrine group, and the difference was statistically highly significant. Women in the carbetocin group were less likely to experience nausea and vomiting.. Single dose of intramuscular carbetocin 100 μg may be more effective as compared to a single intramuscular dose of syntometrine in reducing postpartum blood loss with a smaller drop in hemoglobin levels and less adverse effects.

Topics: Adult; Delivery, Obstetric; Double-Blind Method; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

To compare the efficacy of a single dose of 100 microg intramuscular carbetocin to a single dose of intramuscular syntometrine (0.5 mg ergometrine and 5IU oxytocin), in preventing post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) in high risk patients following vaginal delivery.. A prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted in a tertiary hospital where 120 pregnant women with risk factors for PPH who delivered vaginally were randomized into two groups: the study group where 100 microg intramuscular carbetocin was administered and the control group, who received intramuscular syntometrine. Outcome measures compared included changes in vital signs, amount of intrapartum blood loss, uterine fundal position, addition of another oxytocic agent, side-effects of the drugs, amount of lochia and hemoglobin drop after 24 hours post-partum. Incidence of PPH or other adverse events were also compared.. There were no significant differences in terms of requirement for additional oxytocic agents, time interval to well contracted uterus, blood transfusion requirements, adverse effects or complications. There was a significantly lower mean estimated blood loss in the carbetocin group compared to the syntometrine group (244 +/- 114 mL vs 343 +/- 143 mL, 95% CI 52-146 mL). There was also a significantly reduced drop in hemoglobin in the carbetocin group compared to the syntometrine group (0.3 +/- 0.2 g/dL vs 0.4 +/- 0.2 g/dL, 95% CI 0.1-0.2 g/dL).. Intramuscular carbetocin may be more effective than intramuscular syntometrine in reducing post-partum blood loss and the drop in hemoglobin level.

Topics: Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies

Prevention of postpartum haemorrhage is essential in the pursuit of improved health care for women. However, limited literature is available for comparing the use of oxytocin agonist carbetocin with syntometrine in women undergoing vaginal deliveries. We aimed to compare intramuscular carbetocin with intramuscular syntometrine for the routine prevention of postpartum haemorrhage in women who deliver vaginally.. Prospective double-blind randomised controlled trial.. Tertiary referral centre.. Pregnant women with no contraindication for vaginal delivery recruited from January 2005 to April 2008.. Participants were randomised to receive either syntometrine or carbetocin during the third stage of labour.. Primary outcome measure was postpartum haemorrhage requiring additional uterotonics. Secondary outcome measures were the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage (> or =500 ml), severe postpartum haemorrhage (> or =1000 ml) and adverse effects profile.. Women in the carbetocin group (13.5%) and in the syntometrine group (16.8%) had postpartum haemorrhage requiring additional uterotonics (P = 0.384). 1.6% of women in each group had postpartum haemorrhage (P = 1.0) and the estimated blood loss during the third stage of labour was similar between the two groups (P = 0.294). Women who had syntometrine were four times more likely to experience nausea (RR = 4.2; 95% CI 2.2-7.8) and vomiting (RR = 4.3; 95% CI 1.9-9.5) compared with women who had carbetocin. Tremor, sweating, retching and uterine pain were also more likely in the syntometrine group compared with the carbetocin group (P < 0.05).. Carbetocin has an efficacy similar to syntometrine for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, but is associated with less adverse effects.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Double-Blind Method; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Labor Stage, Third; Middle Aged; Obstetric Labor Complications; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

This randomised controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy of intramuscular syntometrine with intravenous syntocinon, in preventing postpartum haemorrhage. A total of 686 women were randomised into two groups; one receiving intramuscular syntometrine and the other receiving intravenous syntocinon, as part of the active management of the third stage of labour. There was no difference in the mean blood loss between the two groups. However, there was an increased incidence of having a diastolic blood pressure of >90, 30 min after the delivery (p = 0.004), with intramuscular syntometrine. Therefore, it can be concluded that 1 ml of intramuscular syntometrine and 10 units of intravenous syntocinon are equally effective in preventing postpartum haemorrhage.

Topics: Adult; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Injections, Intravenous; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Parity; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Young Adult

a) To compare the clinical effect of rectal misoprostol with intramuscular syntometrine in reducing blood loss in the third stage of labour b) to determine the severity and incidence of side effects of both drugs and c) to measure blood loss, patient tolerance and acceptance of rectal misoprostol.. One hundred and forty parturients were randomly allocated to receive intramuscular syntometrine (syntocinon 10 IU + ergometrine 0.5 mg) or rectal misoprostol 400 microg within five minutes of the delivery of the anterior shoulder Blood loss was measured by the use of a plastic collection drape. Additional oxytocic therapy was instituted for uterine atony or if blood loss was in excess of one litre.. There was no significant difference in patient demographics of each treatment group (Table 1). There was no difference in mean duration of the third stage of labour (8.4 +/- 14 min vs 7.8 +/- 6.6 min). The mean blood loss from those parturients receiving misoprostol (180.1 +/- 120 mls) was not significantly different (p = 0.5) from those receiving syntometrine (197 +/- 176.97 mls) for the active management of the third stage of labour Treatment with syntometrine was associated with a significant elevation of post-partum systolic blood pressure compared with misoprostol treatment (mean increase 0.57 +/- 18.79 mmHg vs -1.43 +/- 14.17 mmHg, (mean +/- SD), p < 0.04). Rectal misoprostol was well tolerated in 88.5% of participants, 11.4% reported that insertion was uncomfortable, of which 2.8% reported that they would have preferred parenteral drug administration.. The clinical effect of rectal misoprostol and intramuscular syntometrine were not different at the doses used in the active management of the third stage of labour in this study. Rectal misoprostol was well tolerated by the patients and had a low side effect profile. Blood loss assessment using the blood collection drape is of invaluable benefit in resource-poor settings.

Topics: Administration, Rectal; Adolescent; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Labor Stage, Third; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Young Adult

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral misoprostol 400 mug with intramuscular syntometrine in the management of the third stage of labor.. This was a double-blind randomized controlled trial conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Three hundred and fifty-five women randomized to receive either oral misoprostol 400 mug or intramuscular syntometrine in the third stage of labor were studied. The change in hemoglobin level from before to 48 h after delivery, use of additional oxytocics and treatment related side effects were the main outcome measures.. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of the change in hemoglobin level and mean blood loss. The incidence of shivering was significantly higher in the misoprostol group whilst that of vomiting was significantly higher in the syntometrine group. There were no differences in the incidence of nausea, headache, diarrhea and pyrexia between the two groups.. Orally administered misoprostol at a dose of 400 mug is an acceptable alternative in preventing post-partum blood loss, as measured by the peri-partum change in hemoglobin level and was not associated with an increased incidence of side effects.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Double-Blind Method; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Labor Stage, Third; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Treatment Outcome

Syntometrine is an effective uterotonic agent used in preventing primary postpartum haemorrhage but has adverse effects including nausea, vomiting, hypertension and coronary artery spasm. Carbetocin is a newly developed long-acting oxytocin analogue that might be used as an uterotonic agent. We compare the efficacy and safety of intramuscular (IM) carbetocin with IM syntometrine in preventing primary postpartum haemorrhage.. Prospective, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial.. Delivery suite of a university-based obstetrics unit.. Women with singleton pregnancy achieving vaginal delivery after and throughout 34 weeks.. Three hundred and twenty-nine eligible women were randomised to receive either a single dose of 100 microgram IM carbetocin or 1 ml IM syntometrine (a mixture of 5 iu oxytocin and 0.5 mg ergometrine) at the end of second stage of labour.. Difference in haemoglobin drop measured 2 days after delivery between the two groups.. There was no difference in the drop of haemoglobin concentration within the first 48 hours between the two groups. The incidence of additional oxytocic injections, postpartum haemorrhage (blood loss > or = 500 ml) and retained placenta were also similar. The use of carbetocin was associated with significant lower incidence of nausea (relative risk [RR] 0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-0.78), vomiting (RR 0.1, 95% CI 0.01-0.74), hypertension 30 minutes (0 versus 8 cases, P < 0.01) and 60 minutes (0 versus 6 cases, P < 0.05) after delivery but a higher incidence of maternal tachycardia (RR 1.68, 95% CI 1.03-3.57).. IM carbetocin is as effective as IM syntometrine in preventing primary postpartum haemorrhage after vaginal delivery. It is less likely to induce hypertension and has a low incidence of adverse effect. It should be considered as a good alternative to conventional uterotonic agents used in managing the third stage of labour.

Topics: Adult; Double-Blind Method; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome

To compare sublingual misoprostol with intravenous syntometrine use during third stage of labor by measuring the blood loss.. Sixty women were randomized to receive either 600 micro g misoprostol sublingually or 1 ml syntometrine intravenously during the third stage of labor after spontaneous vaginal delivery. For those with risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage such as medical induction or augmentation of labor, previous third stage complications were excluded. The blood loss in labor was measured by the alkaline-hematin method, and differences in hemoglobin before and after delivery were compared.. There was no significant difference in the median measured blood loss between the misoprostol group and the syntometrine group (280 versus 226 ml, p = 0.45). The change in hemoglobin was comparable between the two groups. There were more women in the misoprostol group who required additional oxytocics, but the difference was not statistically significant. A major complication occurred in one patient in the misoprostol group with blood loss in excess of 1000 ml. The incidence of side effects such as shivering and pyrexia in women receiving misoprostol was significantly higher than that in the syntometrine group.. The use of sublingual misoprostol or intravenous syntometrine in spontaneous vaginal delivery resulted in a comparable amount of blood loss. Transient side effect such as fever and shivering which resolved within a day occurred more frequent to those who received sublingual misoprostol.

Topics: Administration, Sublingual; Adult; Ergonovine; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Injections, Intravenous; Labor Stage, Third; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Pilot Projects; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Time Factors

To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous oxytocin with intramuscular syntometrine in the management of the third stage of labour.. A prospective randomised trial.. A university teaching hospital.. A total of 991 women having a singleton pregnancy and vaginal delivery were randomised by a computer-generated number to receive either 1 ml syntometrine intramuscularly or 10 units of intravenous Syntocinon after delivery of the anterior shoulder of the fetus.. Blood loss during delivery, rate of postpartum haemorrhage, need for repeated oxytocics, haemoglobin level before and 24 hours after delivery, duration of third stage, need for manual removal of placenta and sides effects including hypertension, nausea, vomiting, headache and chest pain.. The use of intravenous oxytocin was associated with a reduction in postpartum blood loss (P < 0.001) but there was no difference in the risk of postpartum haemorrhage in the need for repeated oxytocic injections and the drop in peripartum haemoglobin level between the two groups. There was also no difference in the risk of prolonged third stage, or in the need for manual removal of placenta. The use of syntometrine was associated with a higher risk of hypertension (RR 2.39, 95% CI 1.00-5.70). Other side effects were mild in nature with no differences between the two groups.. There are no important clinical differences in the effectiveness of intramuscular syntometrine and intravenous oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum blood loss. Intravenous oxytocin is less likely to cause hypertension.

Topics: Adult; Ergonovine; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Hypertension; Injections, Intramuscular; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies; Puerperal Disorders; Risk Factors; Vomiting

Postpartum haemorrhage accounts for nearly 28% of maternal mortality in developing countries. Syntometrine is an effective and commonly used oxytocic in preventing postpartum haemorrhage, but it requires a controlled storage environment and i.m. administration. Misoprostol is an orally active uterotonic agent. A total of 2058 patients having a singleton pregnancy, low risk for postpartum haemorrhage and vaginal delivery were randomized to receive either 1 ml syntometrine or 600 microgram misoprostol for the management of the third stage of labour. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the mean blood loss, the incidence of postpartum haemorrhage and the fall in haemoglobin concentration. The need for additional oxytocic injection was significantly higher in the misoprostol group [relative risk (RR) 1.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-1.96], but that of manual removal of placenta was reduced (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.09-0.87). Shivering and transient pyrexia were more common in the misoprostol group. Oral misoprostol might be used in the management of the third stage, especially in situations where the use of syntometrine is contraindicated and facilities for storage and parenteral administration of oxytocics are limited.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Ergonovine; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Labor Stage, Third; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy

Post partum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal death, particularly in developing countries, and most cases are due to an atonic uterus. Hemorrhage can occur despite active management of the third stage of labor. Presently, misoprostol (Cytotec, Searle Pharmaceuticals) is the only thermostable uterotonic agent potentially available which would be economically beneficial for developing countries where refrigeration of drugs poses a problem. The objective of the study was to compare intra-muscular Syntometrine (Sandoz Pharmaceuticals) (ampoule=5 iu oxytocin and 500 mcg ergometrine maleate) plus Syntocinon (Sandoz Pharmceuticals) (10 iu oxytocin diluted in 500 ml normal saline) intravenous infusion versus 800 mcg misoprostol per rectum for treatment of primary post partum hemorrhage in a developing country.. Randomized single blinded two-center study, set in both a township and teaching hospital in South Africa. Sixty-four women with primary post partum hemorrhage due to an atonic uterus were recruited. The primary outcome measure was whether the hemorrhage ceased within 20 minutes of administering the first line treatment, once hemorrhage was clinically recognized.. There was a 28.1% difference between the misoprostol arm and the Syntometrine and Syntocinon arm (p=0.01). This result had a greater than 80% power. Misoprostol performed better.. 800 mcg misoprostol per rectum is effective at treating primary post partum hemorrhage.

Topics: Administration, Rectal; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Injections, Intramuscular; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy

In a prospective, open-label, assessor-blind, randomised parallel group study the efficacy and safety of Hemabate (Pharmacia-Upjohn Pharmaceuticals, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire) an analogue of 15-methyl-prostaglandin (PGF2alpha) analogue was compared with Syntometrine (Alliance Pharmaceuticals, Chippenham, Wilts) the standard combination of ergometrine and syntocinon used for the active management of the third stage of labour and the prevention of primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). The study was set in a district general hospital with approximately 4,000 deliveries annually. The study was discontinued at the time of the interim analysis because of unacceptable gastrointestinal side effects. At the time of the interim analysis, a total of 529 women had completed the study with 263 randomised to receive PGF2alpha and 266 to receive ergometrine and syntocinon. In a pre-specified subgroup analysis, women delivered vaginally were further subdivided into those considered to be at high or low risk of primary PPH. The measured blood loss and incidence of PPH was similar in both treatment groups whether delivered by caesarean section or vaginally independent of whether women were considered to be at high or low risk. Adverse gastrointestinal events were recorded more often in the Hemabate group. The most common symptom was diarrhoea which occurred in 21% of women who received Hemabate compared to only 0.8% of Syntometrine users. PGF2alpha is as effective as Syntometrine in the prophylaxis of primary PPH in all groups studied but there was a statistically significantly increased risk of diarrhoea among users of PGF2alpha.

Topics: Adult; Blood Pressure; Body Height; Body Weight; Carboprost; Cesarean Section; Dinoprost; Disease Susceptibility; Drug Combinations; Ergonovine; Female; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Humans; Nausea; Oxytocin; Parity; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Random Allocation; Single-Blind Method; Tromethamine

This is a multicentre, blocked, randomized trial to compare the efficacy of oral misoprostol 400 microg with current injectable uterotonic agents (oxytocin/ Syntometrine) used prophylactically in the third stage of labour. Main outcome measures were blood loss, use of a second uterotonic agent and difference in haemoglobin level from antepartum to postpartum. Data analysis from 863 women showed a statistically significant increase in both the mean blood loss (p < 0.001) and the rate of postpartum haemorrhage > 500 mL, (RR 2.72: 95% C1 1.73-4.27) in the misoprostol group compared to the oxytocin/Syntometrine group. The use of a second uterotonic agent was higher in the misoprostol group (RR 2.89: 95% Cl 2.00-4.18) as well as a greater decrease in postpartum haemoglobin (p = 0.015). Oral misoprostol 400 microg is significantly less effective than the traditional intramuscular uterotonic agents currently used and therefore cannot be considered as a viable option to these agents in the management of the third stage of labour.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy

The search for an effective, easily stored, affordable uterotonic agent in preventing postpartum hemorrhage is of importance, especially in the developing world. The objective of this study was to randomly compare the effectiveness of rectal misoprostol with Syntometrine in the management of the third stage of labor.. Four hundred and ninety-one low risk women in labor were randomly allocated to receive either misoprostol 400 microgram rectally or Syntometrine 1 ampuole intramuscularly, and postpartum blood loss was estimated as the principal end point. Comparisons were by the chi-square test or Fisher's test and relative risks with 95% confidence intervals for categorical data, and the Mann-Whitney test for ranked continuous variables.. The baseline characteristics in terms of hemoglobin estimation in antenatal clinic, mean age, parity, and duration of labor in the 250 patients who received Syntometrine and 241 patients who received misoprostol were similar. However, there was a significant difference in the pre-delivery blood pressure of the two groups because of the non-protocol exclusion of women with elevated blood pressure allocated to receive Syntometrine. Duration of third stage of labor, blood loss postpartum and hemoglobin estimation post partum were all similar. Postpartum diastolic hypertension was more common in the Syntometrine group (p= 0.002). No other apparent side effect was noted in either group.. Misoprostol rectally for management of the third stage of labor merits further investigation.

Topics: Administration, Rectal; Adult; Ergonovine; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Hypertension; Injections, Intramuscular; Labor Stage, Third; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Puerperal Disorders

To compare the effect of intramuscular Syntometrine and Syntocinon in the management of the third stage of labour.. A randomised double blind prospective study.. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong.. One thousand consecutive patients with singleton pregnancy and vaginal delivery in February and March 1993.. The use of Syntometrine in the management of the third stage not only reduced the blood loss after delivery but was associated with a 40% reduction in the risk of postpartum haemorrhage (odds ratio 0.60; 95% CI 0.21-0.88), and the need for repeat oxytocic injections (odds ratio of 0.63; 95% CI 0.44-0.89). The two drugs did not differ in their effect on the duration of the third stage. However, the incidence of manual removal of the placenta was higher when Syntometrine was used (odds ratio 3.7; 95% CI 1.03-12.5), although the overall incidence remained low. Side effects from both drugs, such as nausea, vomiting, headache and hypertension, were uncommon.. Intramuscular Syntometrine is a better choice than Syntocinon in the management of the third stage of labour.

Topics: Adult; Double-Blind Method; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies

To compare the effect of oxytocin and Syntometrine when used as part of active management of third stage of labour on postpartum haemorrhage, hypertension, nausea/vomiting and retained placenta.. A randomised double blind trial was conducted in the Obstetric Unit of Corniche Hospital, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. Between 1 January 1991 and 30 June 1991, 2040 women were randomly allocated either to the oxytocin (n = 1017) or the Syntometrine (n = 1023) group. Twelve patients had to be excluded from the trial (oxytocin, 5; Syntometrine, 7) after randomisation because they no longer fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All women in the trial received either oxytocin 10 units or Syntometrine 1 ml (oxytocin 5 units+ergometrine (ergonovine) 0.5 mg) by intramuscular injection with delivery of the anterior shoulder of the baby. Relative risk with 95% confidence intervals was calculated for each variable.. Oxytocin (10 units) alone was as effective as Syntometrine (1 ml) in preventing post-partum haemorrhage without an increase in the incidence of retained placenta. Median blood loss was similar in both groups. The incidences of nausea, vomiting and headache were significantly lower in the oxytocin group, as was the occurrence of a mean rise in diastolic and systolic blood pressures of 20 and 30 mmHg or more, respectively.. Prophylactic administration of oxytocin 10 U in the third stage of labour, as part of active management, reduces the incidence of maternal nausea, vomiting, headache and rise in blood pressure than does Syntometrine 1 ml without adversely affecting the rate of post partum haemorrhage.

Topics: Adult; Double-Blind Method; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Treatment Outcome; United Arab Emirates

A randomized controlled study of 112 women with singleton pregnancies at term, and no antenatal complications, admitted in spontaneous labour were randomized to receive either an intramuscular injection of 0.5 mg of Syntometrine or an intramuscular injection of 125 ug of prostaglandin 15-methyl F2 alpha at delivery of the anterior shoulder of the baby. Blood lost in the first 2 hours, and subsequent 22 hours postdelivery were collected separately and measured by colourimetric measurement of haemoglobin content. Other parameters in the third stage were measured, including need for transfusion of blood or blood products, length of the third stage, and change in haemoglobin concentration before and 24 hours after delivery. The incidence of side-effects with administration of either prostaglandin 15-methyl F2 alpha or Syntometrine were documented. The prophylactic use of intramuscular prostaglandin 15-methyl F2 alpha (Carboprost) in the active management of the third stage of labour gave similar results to prophylactic intramuscular Syntometrine in terms of length of the third stage of labour, incidence of postpartum haemorrhage and total blood loss in the first 2 hours and subsequent 22 hours after delivery. However it has the disadvantage of higher cost, as well as statistically significant increase in the incidence of profuse and frequent diarrhoea. Based on these results intramuscular injection of prostaglandin 15-methyl F2 alpha offers no advantage over intramuscular Syntometrine for routine prophylactic use to reduce blood loss in the third stage of labour.

Topics: Carboprost; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy

To compare oxytocin plus ergometrine against oxytocin alone, when administered as part of the active management of the 3rd stage of labor, in terms of postpartum hemorrhage and manual removal of the placenta.. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial.. A university teaching hospital: Hope Hospital, Salford.. All women delivering in the hospital over the period of the trial, except those for whom a cesarean section was planned, or who had significant hypertension or cardiac disease.. Syntometrine (5 units of oxytocin with 0.5 mg of ergometrine) versus 5 units of Syntocinon (oxytocin), both given by intramuscular injection with delivery of the anterior shoulder.. Postpartum blood loss, the length of the 3rd stage of labor, and the need for manual removal of the placenta.. Four hundred sixty-one women were recruited, 230 allocated to ergometrine plus oxytocin and 231 to oxytocin alone. The duration of the 3rd stage of labor in each group was similar (difference in means 0.2 mins; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.0 to 1.5) and the need for manual removal of the placenta (odds ratio [OR] 1.21; 95% CI, 0.37 to 4.00). There was less postpartum blood loss in the oxytocin plus ergometrine group, reflected in the lower incidence of primary postpartum hemorrhage (> 500 mL) (OR 0.37; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.85).. Judged on the basis of this trial alone, oxytocin plus ergometrine is more effective than oxytocin alone in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. However, evidence from other trials shows that the ergometrine component not uncommonly has side effects of nausea, vomiting, and raised blood pressure. The implications for practice therefore depend on the relative weights placed on these competing risks by women and clinicians. Further research is needed to quantify these along with research into possible differential effects on longer-term outcomes and into the implications of a higher dose of oxytocin.

Topics: Adult; Double-Blind Method; Drug Combinations; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Placenta; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Treatment Outcome

To compare active management with physiological management of the third stage of labour in women at low risk of postpartum haemorrhage.. Randomised allocation of women in labour at low risk of postpartum haemorrhage to either physiological or active management of the third stage.. Labour ward in a district general hospital.. 193 Women with spontaneous vaginal delivery at term completed the study. Exclusion criteria were induction or augmentation of labour, antepartum or previous postpartum haemorrhage, premature rupture of membranes, previous caesarean section, raised blood pressure, cervical lacerations and third degree tears.. Active management with syntometrine and controlled cord traction; or physiological management, where the cord was not clamped and the placenta was delivered by maternal effort.. Blood loss was measured subjectively at delivery and estimated objectively by comparing the haemoglobin in labour with that on the third postpartum day. The duration of the third stage was also measured as was the incidence of retained placenta and blood transfusion.. There was no significant difference in the estimated blood loss or haemoglobin drop between the two groups (P > 0.5). In addition the duration of the third stage was significantly longer in the physiological group (P < 0.001). Out of 90 women having physiological management, 7 received oxytocics for presumed postpartum haemorrhage. Only one case in the active group required further oxytocics and one other case in this group required a manual removal of placenta.. This preliminary study confirms that active management results in a reduction in the length of the third stage of labour. However, it suggests that active management does not reduce blood loss when compared to physiological management in the woman at low risk of postpartum haemorrhage.

Topics: Delivery, Obstetric; Ergonovine; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Random Allocation; Risk Factors

Prophylactic use of oxytocics reduces the risk of postpartum haemorrhage by about 40%. The analysis presented in this paper assesses which oxytocic preparation is associated with the least risk of postpartum haemorrhage and examines the relative effects of different preparations on the length of the third stage, the risk of manual removal of the placenta, blood pressure and other side-effects. A mixture of oxytocin and ergometrine (Syntometrine) appears to be the safest and most effective prophylactic of the alternatives which have been compared, but the quality of the evidence is not satisfactory. There is scope for a randomized comparison of Syntometrine with oxytocin to obtain unbiased and more precise estimates of their relative effects on postpartum haemorrhage, blood pressure and unpleasant side-effects.

Topics: Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Combinations; Ergonovine; Ergot Alkaloids; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Labor, Obstetric; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy

Topics: Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Quality of Life

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) rates are increasing worldwide. The rate is particularly high in women undergoing an induced or augmented labour. In response to this, we altered our hospital's protocol for the management of the third stage of labour to recommend Syntometrine, in preference to oxytocin alone, for women being induced or augmented. We set out to assess the impact of the protocol change on the PPH rate.. A random sample of 1200 women who had a singleton, term vaginal birth before and after the protocol change was taken. Exclusion criteria were then applied to match PPH risk status. Using a quasi-experimental study design, PPH rates were compared between women who had received oxytocin or Syntometrine for third stage management.. Five hundred and forty-nine women received oxytocin prior to the protocol change and were compared with 333 women who received Syntometrine after protocol change. There was no difference in the PPH rate with respect to uterotonic used (P = 0.9). There was no evidence of an interaction between labour type, third stage uterotonic and PPH (P = 0.4). PPH rates were lowest for women who laboured spontaneously and received Syntometrine (19% oxytocin, 14% Syntometrine). The PPH rate was unchanged by uterotonic in women whose labour was augmented (34% for both). PPH was more common in women being induced who received Syntometrine (22% oxytocin, 27% Syntometrine). None of these differences were statistically significant.. Compared to oxytocin, Syntometrine did not reduce the rate of PPH in women with augmented or induced labour. Other approaches to reducing PPH rates are required.

Topics: Adult; Clinical Protocols; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Labor, Induced; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Young Adult

To evaluate the effectiveness of balloon temponade in the management of postpartum haemorrhage.. The study was conducted at the Dow University of Health Sciences and Civil Hospital Karachi from January to July 18, 2012, and comprised women aged 18-35 years, parity 1-6 and gestational age 31-41 weeks, who developed or were admitted with primary postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atony in whom medical treatment had failed. SPSS 10 was used to analyse the data.. The mean age, parity, gestational age of 139 women was 26.4±4.2 years, 3.4±1.3, 37.81±1.67 respectively. Mean estimated blood loss was 1155.8±350.6 ml, mean systolic blood pressure 90.96±18.1 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure 55±7.5 mmHg and mean pulse was 108.3±10.89 bpm. Balloon tamponade was effective in 126(90.4%) cases.. Condom catheter balloon tamponade was an effective means of controlling postpartum haemorrhage. There should be a low threshold for use of balloon tamponade as it is effective, easy to use, easily available, has low complication rate, and an inexpensive modality to manage non-traumatic postpartum haemorrhage, especially in resource-limited settings, and still maintain reproductive ability.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Disease Management; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Prostaglandins; Treatment Outcome; Uterine Balloon Tamponade; Uterine Inertia; Young Adult

Topics: Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome

Topics: Adult; Catheterization; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Incidental Findings; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Recurrence; Retreatment; Sodium Chloride; Uterine Inversion

Topics: Ergonovine; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; World Health Organization

Topics: Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy

This study was carried out to describe the safety and efficacy of intramuscular syntometrine (oxytocin plus ergometrine) compared to intravenous oxytocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, and the difference between administration at the end of the 2nd stage of labor compared with that after delivery of the placenta.. A prospective study was carried out at Prince Zaid Ben Al-Hussein Hospital, Tafilah, Jordan. Two thousand one hundred and sixty one women delivering singletons during 12 consecutive months were included in our study. Women received either intramuscular syntometrine (oxytocin plus ergometrine) or oxytocin alone. The drugs were used either before or after the 3rd stage of labor, in order to compare their safety and efficacy in prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.. There was no significant difference in the rate of postpartum hemorrhage for syntometrine compared with oxytocin, when used at the end of the 2nd stage of labor (odds ratio 1.08, 95% confidence interval 0.72-1.63) or after the 3rd stage (odds ratio 0.93, 95% confidence interval 0.65-1.34). The patients receiving oxytocics at the end of the 2nd stage of labor had significantly lower rates of postpartum hemorrhage, for both syntometrine (odds ratio 0.86, 95% confidence interval 0.59-0.1.12) and Oxytocin (odds ratio 0.59, 95% confidence interval 0.39-0.88), compared with those treated after the 3rd stage.. Oxytocin alone is as effective as the use of syntometrine (ergometrine plus oxytocin) in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage, but associated with significantly fewer maternal side effects. Oxytocics administered after the 2nd stage of labor compared with after the 3rd stage of labor (placental expulsion) are associated with a significantly fewer rate of postpartum bleeding.

Topics: Adult; Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Second; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Prospective Studies

In 47 women, the change in the uterine activity after the administration of a uterotonic agent was correlated with the amount of blood loss during the same period of time. Uterine activity was measured by a Gaeltec catheter-tipped pressure transducer inserted transcervically within 5 min of delivery of the placenta. A uterotonic agent (either intravenous syntocinon, intramuscular syntometrine or oral misoprostol) was given after the insertion of the intrauterine pressure catheter and pressure recorded for another 90 min. Blood loss over the same 2-hour period was collected with absorbent paper which was then assessed by colorimetric measurement of the haemoglobin content in the sample. Our results show that the change in uterine activity is associated with the total blood loss. However, there is a poor linear correlation between the two variables probably because of the biological variation in myometrial activity and differences in coagulation mechanisms in normal women.

Topics: Blood Coagulation; Colorimetry; Ergonovine; Female; Hemoglobins; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Transducers, Pressure; Uterus

Topics: Adult; Ergonovine; Evidence-Based Medicine; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Midwifery; Nurse Midwives; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Ergonovine; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy

Topics: Biomedical Research; Ergonovine; Ergot Alkaloids; Female; Hemorrhage; Humans; Labor, Obstetric; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy

Topics: Ergonovine; Ergot Alkaloids; Female; Humans; Labor, Obstetric; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy

Topics: Ergonovine; Ergot Alkaloids; Female; Humans; Labor, Obstetric; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy

Topics: Ergonovine; Ergot Alkaloids; Female; Humans; Labor, Obstetric; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Toxicology