Comparison of misoprostol in conjunction with oxytocin and oxytocin alone for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage during active management of the third stage of labor

Background: When it occurs after a cesarean section or a normal vaginal delivery, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a potentially fatal obstetric emergency. Aims and objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oxytocin against oxytocin plus misoprostol in avoiding PPH during active management of the third stage of labor (AMTSL). Materials and Methods: Using simple randomization, 150 women from the labor ward of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Indore Medical College were recruited and randomly allocated to either test Group A or test Group B. Standard pharmacological treatment, including intramuscular injection of 10 IU of oxytocin and other components of AMTSL criteria, was administered to patients in Group A. In addition to the other components of the AMTSL criteria, Group B patients got the usual pharmacological treatment of 10 IU of oxytocin through the injectable route and 600 g of misoprostol through the oral route. Various characteristics of both groups were compared, including parity, gravida, delivery style, PPH etiology, blood transfusion, and surgical intervention. Results: Mode of delivery was vaginally seen in 85% and 92% and cesarean in 15% and 8%. Etiology was uterine atony in 54% and 64%, retained tissue in 26% and 12%, laceration in 11% and 18%, and coagulopathy in 9% and 6%. Blood transfusion was needed in 27% and 57% and surgical intervention in 82% and 68% in Groups A and B, respectively. A statistically significant difference was observed (P ? 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study support the use of misoprostol in hospital settings as an adjunct to oxytocin since it reduces the incidence of PPH, eliminates the need for intrusive interventions, and ultimately reduces maternal mortality.

Placental cord drainage during third stage of labour: a randomized control trial at a tertiary care centre

Background: Labour is a physiological process, but it is often associated with morbidity and mortality, with the most common cause being blood loss. Primary postpartum hemorrhage is commonly defined as a blood loss of 500 ml or more within 24 hours after normal vaginal birth. A prolonged third stage of labour (more than 20 min) is associated with postpartum hemorrhage. The present study was undertaken with the objective of assessing efficacy of placental cord drainage (PCD) during active management of third stage of labour.Methods: This is a randomized control trial in which full term primi gravida who were expected to have normal vaginal delivery, admitted in labour room of a tertiary care centre were evaluated for inclusion in the study. Total 126 participants were enrolled after having normal vaginal delivery. In study group (n = 63), placental cord drainage was used for management of third stage of labour while in control group (n = 63), third stage was managed without PCD.Results: The mean difference in duration of third stage of labour in study and control group was 1.79 minute and the mean difference in blood loss during third stage of labour in both groups was 57.86 ml which was statistically significant.Conclusions: The results of this study show small positive effects from cord drainage in reducing the length of the third stage of labour and in reducing the amount of blood loss when compared with those without cord drainage. The observed changes may be of clinical significance in reducing third stage related complications.

Study of blood component therapy in obstetrics

Background: Blood transfusion is a life saving measure. Various pregnancy complications and disorders of labor present as risk factors for extra blood loss during pregnancy and cause severe hemodynamic instability. This along with complications due to abortion (spontaneous or induced) and ruptured ectopic pregnancy show up as conditions needing transfusion in the day-to-day practice of obstetrics. In a country like India, limited and fixed resources of blood, forces us to titrate the use of blood and its components. Normally, blood loss during birth is well-tolerated because of changes during pregnancy.Methods: This is a retrospective observational study done at tertiary care hospital. This study is based on study of indoor patients admitted during one year duration. Detailed history and all necessary investigations were carried out. Details regarding blood transfusion were taken indication of blood transfusion, number and type of unit transfused, number of patients given blood components, indications where single unit was transfused. Analysis of the data was done.Results: Anemia followed by antepartum hemorrhage followed by postpartum hemorrhage was the major cause for blood and blood product transfusion. Approximately 60% patients required two units of PCV (Packed Cell Volume) transfusion. Anemia in pregnancy was the major cause of single unit PCV transfusion.Conclusions: A proper knowledge for blood and blood product transfusion is needed to make it available for people who are actually in need and also to decrease the economic burden. Measures to prevent anemia should be implemented. Active management of third stage of labour (AMTSL) should be done to avoid postpartum hemorrhage. Single unit transfusion should be avoided.

Training of maternal health care providers in newer modalities of management of post-partum haemorrhage

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a life-threatening complication, that occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. Institutional delivery by skilled birth attendant who are trained in active management of third stage of labour and those who can use of Uterine Balloon Tamponade and Non-pneumatic anti shock garment can reduce incidence and morbidity related to PPH. The objective of the paper was to share the experiences of the training programmes held for maternal health care workers in the newer modalities of PPH management.Methods: During one and a half year period, 32 Continuation of Medical Education (CME) programmes, with the theme of “Managing Obstetric Emergencies and Obstetric Trauma”, covering important topics related to high risk pregnancies like Hypertension, Eclampsia ,Anaemia and Haemorrhage at 32 health institutions, spread over 11 states and 2 union territories in India, were conducted .In addition,42 hands on workshops  at various health facilities were conducted with training of more than 2575 maternal health care providers.Results: The pre and post test scores revealed that 95 percent of the maternal health care providers were unaware about the use of Uterine Balloon Tamponade (Bakri balloon) in PPH and Non-pneumatic anti shock garment (NASG). Seventy percent were unaware about the proper sequence of steps of active management of third stage of labour. Training programmes helped to improve the knowledge, whereas hands on workshop, helped in skill development of the health care providers. The participants expressed great satisfaction regarding the knowledge and skills they acquired through training programme on management of post-partum haemorrhage. They gave positive feedback about the quality, contents and conduct of training programme.Conclusions: There is need for refresher training of maternal health care providers in newer modalities like AMTSL, NASG and Bakri balloon, which have potential to save lives.

Third stage of labour: expectant versus active management-a comparative study in local low risk population

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality, accounting for about 35% of all maternal deaths. These deaths have a major impact on the lives and health of the families affected. Thus, anticipation as well as proper management of 3rd stage of labour is mandatory. The objective of this study was to compare expectant and active management of third stage of labour in preventing post-partum blood loss and having impact on prevention of maternal mortality in local population. Advantages and disadvantages of both techniques might be over estimated.Methods: Prospective comparative study carried out in Obstetrics and Gynecology department of SBKSMIRC (Shrimati Bhikhiben Kanjibhai Shah Medical Institute and Research Centre), Dhiraj general hospital, comprising of 200 laboring women admitted directly or from OPD to labour room for expected vaginal delivery. They were randomly allocated to group A (expectant management) and group B (active management). Labour progress was charted on partograph and interventions recorded. Statistical analysis of data was done after compiling and tabulation of data. Mean±SD for descriptive variables were calculated and appropriate statistical tests applied to determine significance.Results: Average PPBL (post-partum blood loss) was 360.5ml in group A as compared to 290.6ml in group B. 12 patients in group A had blood loss more than 500ml while none in group B. 66% cases in group B had duration of third stage of labour less than 5 min as compared to only 22% in group A. the mean duration of third stage was 13.46±8.3 in group A while 5.32±3.05 in group B. these differences were statistically significant.Conclusions: Active management of the third stage of labour is associated with less blood loss as well as a shorter duration of third stage compared with expectant management. It is reasonable to advocate this regime.

A prospective randomized comparative study of Misoprostol and balloon tamponade using condom catheter to prevent postpartum hemorrhage at M. Y. H., Indore, India in vaginal delivered patients

Background: PPH is responsible for quarter of maternal deaths occurring worldwide and its incidence is increasing in developed world. According to Confidential Enquiries into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH) report obstetric hemorrhage occurs in around3.7 per 1000 births. The objective of the study is that it was a prospective randomized comparative study of misoprostol and balloon tamponade via condom catheter to prevent postpartum hemorrhage in normal delivered patients at MYH.Methods: A sample size of 200 normal delivered patients between age group 18 and 45 years is chosen with excessive bleeding after third stage of labour and after administration of oxytocics. These 200 patients are divided into two groups: First group receiving Misoprostol and applying condom catheter in other group. Both groups are evaluated for PPH.Results: It was found that CG balloon condom catheter was a much better and more effective alternative in controlling PPH than Misoprostol as the failure rate with CG balloon condom catheter were  much less than that  with misoprostol. Due to its cost effectiveness and being easily available at primary health center and due to absence of any drug reactions and easy technique of formation makes it a better modality in controlling PPH even at PHC.Conclusions: Patients with condom catheter in situ must show better result than patients receiving misoprostol.

Different management for women in the third stage of labour / 中国实用护理杂志

Active management of the third stage of labour involves giving a prophylactic uterotonic, early cord clamping, controlled cord traction and uterine massage. Active management of the third stage, as the main package of procedure to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, can effectively shorten the third stage of labor and reduce the incidence of severe postpartum hemorrhage, this is a major cause of women dying in developing countries. In developed countries, severe bleeding occurs much less often, yet active management has become standard practice in many countries for several decades. The most common complications of active management of the third stage of labor are pain and side effects of oxytocin, in addition to serious complications such as inversion of uterus and retained placental. Therefore, in recent years, a variety of interventions have been adopted in the third stage of labour, especially for low-risk pregnant women, which have been questioned and the evidence for using active management for all women is insufficient. The purpose of this article is to compare the effectiveness and variations of different management of the third stage of labour, and provide the basis for reasonable and individualized management of the third stage of labour, ultimately promote the natural labour.

Different management for women in the third stage of labour / 中国实用护理杂志

Active management of the third stage of labour involves giving a prophylactic uterotonic, early cord clamping, controlled cord traction and uterine massage. Active management of the third stage, as the main package of procedure to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, can effectively shorten the third stage of labor and reduce the incidence of severe postpartum hemorrhage, this is a major cause of women dying in developing countries . In developed countries, severe bleeding occurs much less often, yet active management has become standard practice in many countries for several decades. The most common complications of active management of the third stage of labor are pain and side effects of oxytocin, in addition to serious complications such as inversion of uterus and retained placental. Therefore, in recent years, a variety of interventions have been adopted in the third stage of labour, especially for low-risk pregnant women, which have been questioned and the evidence for using active management for all women is insufficient. The purpose of this article is to compare the effectiveness and variations of different management of the third stage of labour, and provide the basis for reasonable and individualized management of the third stage of labour, ultimately promote the natural labour.

Role of Oral Misoprostol 600 mcg versus Inj. Syntometrinein the Active Management of Third Stage of Labour

Postpartum haemorrhage is the leading cause of direct maternal death in developing countries. The incidence of PPH may vary from less than 5% to more than 10%. About 30% of maternal deaths in India occur due to massive haemorrhage. Normal blood loss in a vaginal delivery may exceed 500 ml and can range from 500 to 1000 ml. A decline in hematocrit is a more reliable estimation of blood loss. Active management had definitely reduced third stage blood loss. World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends Intra muscular oxytocin in the third stage of labour. Misoprostol PGE1 is a potent uterotonic agent. Ergometrine is also an effective oxytocic. This study has been conducted to compare the efficacy and safety of oral misoprostol 600 mcg with parenteral syntometrine in the active management of third stage of labour in 100 pregnant women of low risk pregnancies by objective assessment of the difference in pre-and post-delivery haemoglobin values. This study concludes that misoprostol has the potential of an effective, stable oral oxytocic with rapid onset of action. Though this study was limited to low risk patients, misoprostol has scope for use even in high risk patients of bronchial asthma, gestational hypertension, pre-eclampsia and Rhesus (Rh) negative groups where syntometrine is contraindicated. Thus, misoprostol may be used as an alternative to IM syntometrine in the active treatment of third stage of labour.

Role of oral misoprostol 600 mcg in active management of third stage of labour: a comparative study with carboprost 125 mcg, intramuscular.

Background: Objectives: To compare misoprostol 600 mcg, oral with carboprost 125 mcg, i.m., in the active management of third stage of labour. Methods: A total of 200 pregnant women of 38-42 weeks of gestation delivering vaginally in the Shivamogga institute of medical sciences, Shivamogga, Karnataka, India were selected for study. 100 women received misoprostol 600 mcg, orally and 100 women received carboprost 125 mcg, i.m. immediately after delivery of baby and cord clamping by the method of randomisation. Results: In the misoprostol group, mean blood loss is 134.9 ml, mean duration of the third stage of labour is 4.07 min and mean fall in hemoglobin is 0.34 g/dl. In the carboprost group, mean blood loss is 123.7 ml, mean duration of the third stage of labour is 3.73 min and mean fall in hemoglobin is 0.28 g/dl. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to the above mentioned factors. There were 5 cases of PPH in the misoprostol group and 3 cases in the carboprost group. 21 cases in the misoprostol group and 14 cases in the carboprost group required additional oxytocics. Unpleasant side effects like diarrhoea and vomiting were more in carboprost group. Conclusion: Oral misoprostol is as effective as carboprost in AMTSL and can be used safely in vaginal deliveries for prevention of PPH, especially in non-institutional deliveries and in places of low resource settings.

Influencia del alumbramiento activo sobre la morbilidad materna por hemorragia posparto / Influence of active management of the third stage of labor upon maternal morbidity due to postpartum hemorrhage

Introducción: la hemorragia posparto constituye la principal causa de muerte materna en el mundo. El uso del alumbramiento activo puede disminuir la incidencia de esta fatal complicación. Objetivo: determinar la utilidad del alumbramiento activo sobre la morbilidad materna por hemorragia posparto. Métodos: estudio observacional, analítico, de corte transversal en 2 523 mujeres cuyos partos eutócicos se produjeron en el Hospital "Dr. Luis Díaz Soto" desde enero de 2003 a diciembre de 2007. Se compararon los efectos del alumbramiento activo con el expectante, en relación a la pérdida de sangre y otras complicaciones maternas. El manejo activo incluyó: administración de oxitocina después de salir el hombro anterior del feto, tracción controlada del cordón y contratracción por encima del hueso pubiano. Para el análisis se utilizó la prueba de chi cuadrado con un nivel de significación del 0,05. Resultados: del total de partos eutócicos, se le aplicó el método de alumbramiento activo a 1 364 casos (54,1 %) y expectante a 1 159 (45,9 %). El alumbramiento activo se relacionó con una menor necesidad de transfusión de sangre (0,8 % vs. 1.8) (p= 0,025) [RR = 2,25; LI= 1,09; LS 4,64], menor duración del tercer período del parto (0,3 % vs. 1,2 %) (p= 0,04) [RR= 3,53; LI 1,14; LS 10,92], necesidad de histerectomía puerperal e ingreso en unidad de terapia intensiva (0 vs. 0,35 %) (p= 0,03). La estadía posparto fue mayor en los casos de alumbramiento expectante (0,7 % vs. 0,4 %) (p= 0,04). Conclusiones: los resultados demuestran el factor protector del empleo del manejo activo del alumbramiento en las variables estudiadas, el cual debe ser utilizado de forma sistemática tras un parto eutócico de un embarazo sencillo.

Introduction: postpartum haemorrhage is the main cause of maternal death worldwide. Active management of the third stage of labor may reduce the incidence of this fatal complication. Objective: determine the usefulness of active management of third stage of labor with respect to maternal morbidity due to postpartum hemorrhage. Methods: analytical cross-sectional observational study of 2 523 women who had eutocic deliveries at Dr. Luis Díaz Soto Hospital from January 2003 to December 2007. A comparison was made of the effects of active and expectant management in terms of blood loss and other maternal complications. Active management included the administration of oxytocine upon emergence of the fetus's anterior shoulder, controlled traction of the cord, and counter traction above the pubic bone. The chi-square test was used for analysis, with a significance level of 0.05. Results: of the total eutocic deliveries, active management of the third stage of labor was used in 1 364 (54.1 %) whereas expectant management was used in 1 159 (45.9 %). Active management was associated with a lesser need of blood transfusions (0.8 % vs. 1.8 %) (p= 0.025) [RR = 2.25; LI= 1.09; LS 4.64], a shorter duration of the third stage of labor (0.3 % vs. 1.2 %) (p= 0.04) [RR= 3.53; LI 1.14; LS 10.92], a need for puerperal hysterectomy and admission to intensive care units (0 vs. 0.35 %) (p= 0.03). Postpartum stay was longer in expectant management cases (0.7 % vs. 0.4 %) (p= 0.04). Conclusions: results show the protective value of the use of active management of the third stage of labor for the variables studied, as well as the advisability of its systematic use after singleton pregnancy eutocic deliveries.

Functions and characteristics of scientific research administration in modern hospitals / 中华医学科研管理杂志

Along with the globalization of science and technology, the investment on medical research has been increased gradually in recent years, which brings many challenges to the administration of scientific research. The traditional passive conception and model of research administration can no longer meet the needs of modern research development, and therefore changes are urgently needed. The function of research administration in modern medical research needs to be redefined and new characteristics will subsequently arise. The changes are believed helpful in promoting the efficiency of research funding and implementation of the research projects and further facilitating the transformation and application of research achievements.