Intravenous oxytocin bolus and infusion versus infusion alone on the blood loss during caesarean section

Background: PPH is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality in the world. In India >30% maternal mortality is because of PPH.Methods: 250 females posted for LSCS were randomised into 2 groups. Group A: 5U oxytocin bolus + 40U oxytocin infusion @125 ml/hour in 500 ml saline. Group B: 5 ml Saline bolus + 40 U oxytocin infusionPrimary outcome was to measure blood loss (objective and subjective). Secondary outcomes were time for uterine hardening, additional uterotonic agents, hemodynamic changes, side effects and need for blood transfusion within 24 hours of LSCS.Results: Blood loss was significantly less in Group A in objective as well as subjective assessment (p<0.001). Requirement for additional oxytocin bolus was significantly higher in Group B as compared Group A (p=0.025). Postoperative hematocrit of Group A was higher than that of Group B (p<0.001). Transfusion requirement was significantly higher (p=0.04) in Group B (9.6% versus 3.2%). There was no significant difference in hemodynamics between the groups in the intraoperative period (p>0.05). However, during the postoperative period increase in heart rate was noted in Group B (p<0.05). Vomiting was the only major side effect observed, which was higher in Group A (5.6% versus 3.2%).Conclusions: Combination of 5U oxytocin bolus followed by an infusion of 40 U oxytocin given over 4 hours routinely in ASA grade I and ASA grade II parturient significantly decreases the operative blood loss during LSCS without causing any hemodynamic variability. This regimen provides better uterine contractility, lesser need for additional utero-tonic agents and lesser requirement of blood transfusion.

An unusual case of delivery with central rupture of perineum and intact introitus

Most women experience some degree of tear during childbirth and in some these can be extensive. Obstetrics injuries contribute 0.5-15% of vaginal deliveries. Here authors present a case of 23-year-old primigravida who presented at Safdarjung hospital New Delhi, Delhi, India with complaint of pain in perineum and excessive bleeding per vaginum. On examination, introitus was intact and there was central rupture of perineum which involved anal sphincter proximally and rectal mucosa distally. Patient was shifted to operation theatre for exploration and repair. She received 2 units of blood transfusion, antibiotics and laxatives. Patient was discharged on post-operative day 5 in satisfactory condition. Thus, authors emphasise the need of institutional delivery and prevention of perineal injuries which would further obviate the need for surgical repair and associated morbidity. In present era of easy communication and transport we still receive cases of unsupervised deliveries which gives us a strong motive to spread awareness for antenatal visits and care among this population.