Uso de misoprostol em obstetrícia / Misoprostol use in obstetrics

PONTOS-CHAVE O misoprostol é um análogo da prostaglandina E1 (PGE1) que consta na Lista de Medicamentos Essenciais da Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS) desde 2005 O Brasil possui uma das regulações mais restritivas do mundo relacionadas ao uso do misoprostol, estabelecendo que o misoprostol tem uso hospitalar exclusivo, com controle especial, e venda, compra e propaganda proibidas por lei Atualmente, o misoprostol é a droga de referência para tratamento medicamentoso nos casos de aborto induzido, tanto no primeiro trimestre gestacional quanto em idades gestacionais mais avançadas O misoprostol é uma medicação efetiva para o preparo cervical e indução do parto O misoprostol é um medicamento essencial para o manejo da hemorragia pós-parto

Analysis of the efficacy of prophylactic tranexamic acid in preventing postpartum bleeding: systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Abstract Background Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) is one of the main causes of maternal mortality, mainly in the poorest regions of the world, drawing attention to the need for strategies for preventing it. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic administration of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) in decreasing blood loss in pregnant women in delivery, preventing PPH. Methods Systematic review of randomized clinical trials. We searched for publications in PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases, with the uniterms "postpartum, puerperal hemorrhage" and "tranexamic acid", published between January of 2004 and January of 2020. The eligibility criteria were trials published in English with pregnant women assessed during and after vaginal or cesarean delivery about the effect of prophylactic use of TXA on bleeding volume. The random-effects model was applied with the DerSimonian-Laird test and the Mean Difference (MD) was calculated for continuous variables together with each 95% CI. This systematic review was previously registered in the PROSPERO platform under the registration n° CRD42020187393. Results Of the 630 results, 16 trials were selected, including one with two different doses, performing a total of 6731 patients. The intervention group received a TXA dose that varied between 10 mg.kg−1 and 1g (no weight calculation). The TXA use was considered a protective factor for bleeding (MD: -131.07; 95% CI: -170.00 to -92.78; p= 0.000) and hemoglobin variation (MD: -0.417; 95% CI: -0.633 to -0.202; p= 0.000). In the subgroup analysis related to the cesarean pathway, the effect of TXA was even greater. Conclusion The prophylactic use of tranexamic acid is effective in reducing the post-partum bleeding volume. PROSPERO registration ID CRD42020187393.

Perfil das pacientes com diagnóstico de hemorragia puerperal em uma maternidade filantrópica do município de São Paulo / Profile of patients diagnosed with puerperal hemorrhage in a philanthropic maternity hospital in São Paulo

Objetivo: A hemorragia puerperal (HPP) é um problema de saúde pública. A finalidade deste estudo foi estereotipar as pacientes diagnosticadas com HPP e saber seu desfecho ante a aplicação do protocolo da instituição. Foram avaliadas características anteparto e intraparto para encontrar perfil materno propenso ao desenvolvimento da HPP. Métodos: O método escolhido foi coorte com análise de prontuários no Hospital Filantrópico Beneficência Portuguesa, envolvendo 197 mulheres com diagnóstico de HPP, com administração de ácido tranexâmico de forma precoce, juntamente com ocitocina. O perfil predominante foi de idade materna não avançada, não brancas, multíparas, parto vaginal sem preparo de colo, ausência de síndrome hipertensiva e com idade gestacional de 39 semanas. A principal causa foi atonia uterina, seguida das lacerações de trajeto. Resultados: Além do ácido tranexâmico em conjunto com a ocitocina, a droga mais usada foi a metilergometrina; 71 (36%) mulheres precisaram de procedimentos, sendo o principal a sutura de trajeto e 45 (22,8%) precisaram de hemoderivados. Conclusão: A terapia farmacológica foi eficaz, com menor necessidade procedimentos e ausência de mortalidade.(AU)

Objective: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a public health problem. The purpose of this study is to stereotype patients diagnosed with PPH as well as know their outcome according to the institution's protocol. Antepartum and intrapartum characteristics were evaluated to find a maternal profile prone to the development of PPH. Methods: The method chosen was the cohort analysis of medical records at the Hospital Filantrópico Beneficência Portuguesa, involving 197 women diagnosed with PPH, with administration of tranexamic acid early, associated with oxytocin. As results, the predominant profile was non-advanced maternal age, non-white, non-primigravida, vaginal delivery without prior cervical ripening, without hypertensive syndrome and gestational age of 39 weeks. Results: The main cause was uterine atony, followed by trauma. In addition to tranexamic acid and oxytocin, the most used drug was methylergometrine; 71 (36%) women needed procedures, the main one was the path suture and 45 (22,8%) needed blood products. Conclusion: Pharmacological therapy was effective, with less need for procedures and no mortality.(AU)

Guía de práctica clínica para el uso de uterotónicos en la prevención de la hemorragia posparto / Clinical practice guide for the use of uterotonics in postpartum hemorrhage prevention

Objetivo: Proveer recomendaciones para mejorar la calidad del cuidado y desenlaces para mujeres que reciben atención del parto, en relación a la prevención de la hemorragia posparto (HPP) por atonía uterina en El Salvador. Métodos: La presente guía fue desarrollada siguiendo los lineamientos del Manual para la elaboración de guías de la Organización Mundial de la Salud1. De forma general, se creó un grupo para la elaboración con enfoque multidisciplinario compuesto por expertos sobre el tema, epidemiólogos, metodólogos y pacientes. Con base en la evidencia proveniente de la guía para el uso de uterotónicos para la prevención de hemorragia posparto, se desarrolló una adaptación para el contexto del sistema de salud de El Salvador2. Se realizó inclusión de evidencia local y la contextualización de sus recomendaciones. Las recomendaciones fueron graduadas en un panel de expertos conformado por profesionales en estadística, enfermería, materno infantil, médicos generales y especialistas en ginecología y obstetricia, perinatología, anestesiología, medicina familiar, economía de la salud, epidemiología, además se incluyó la participación de pacientes siguiendo el enfoque GRADE. Adicionalmente, la guía fue evaluada por pares temáticos y metodológicos. Todos los participantes del panel y del grupo desarrollador firmaron un formato de conflicto de intereses que analizaron los coordinadores de la guía.

Use of misoprostol in the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage: a pharmacoepidemiological approach / Uso do misoprostol no tratamento da hemorragia pós-parto: uma abordagem farmacoepidemiológica

ABSTRACT Objective To characterize the use of the drug misoprostol for treatment of postpartum hemorrhage in pregnant women. Methods A descriptive observational study was carried out with secondary data from pregnant women who used misoprostol to treat postpartum hemorrhage in a reference public maternity, from July 2015 to June 2017. Clinical and sociodemographic profiles of pregnant women, how misoprostol was used and success rate in controling postpartum hemorrhage were characterized. Results A total of 717 prescriptions of misoprostol were identified. Of these, 10% were for treatment of postpartum hemorrhage. The majority of pregnant women were young adults, married, with complete high school education, white, residing in urban areas, multiparous (68.1%) and 25% had previous cesarean sections. The mean gestational age was 39 weeks and 51.4% had a cesarean section. There was prophylactic use of oxytocin in 47.2% of women. Treatment of postpartum hemorrhage was successful in 84.7% of women. Of these, 79.2% also used oxytocin and 54.2% methylergonovine. Only 13.5% of pregnant women had less than five prenatal visits, and the main cause of postpartum hemorrhage was uterine atony. There were 13 complications after hemorrhage, 15.3% required blood transfusion and there was one case of maternal death. Conclusion Misoprostol showed to be effective and safe for treating postpartum hemorrhage.

RESUMO Objetivo Caracterizar o uso do medicamento misoprostol para o tratamento da hemorragia pós-parto em gestantes. Métodos Estudo observacional descritivo realizado por meio de dados secundários de gestantes que fizeram uso do misoprostol para tratamento da hemorragia pós-parto em maternidade pública de referência, no período de julho de 2015 a junho de 2017. Caracterizaram-se os perfis clínico e sociodemográfico das gestantes, o padrão de utilização do misoprostol e sua taxa de sucesso no controle da hemorragia pós-parto. Resultados Foram identificadas 717 prescrições do misoprostol. Destas, 10% foram para tratamento da hemorragia pós-parto. Predominaram gestantes adultas jovens, casadas, com Ensino Médio completo, raça branca, da região urbana, multíparas (68,1%) e 25% apresentavam cesáreas prévias. A idade gestacional média foi 39 semanas e 51,4% das gestantes tiveram parto cesárea. Houve uso profilático de ocitocina em 47,2% das mulheres. O tratamento da hemorragia pós-parto eve sucesso em 84,7% das gestantes que usaram misoprostol. Destas, 79,2% também usaram ocitocina e 54,2% metilergometrina. Apenas 13,5% das gestantes tiveram menos de cinco consultas de pré-natal, e a principal causa da hemorragia pós-parto foi atonia uterina. Foram registrados 13 casos de complicações após a hemorragia, 15,3% necessitaram de hemotransfusão e houve um caso de óbito materno. Conclusão O misoprostol demonstrou ser efetivo e seguro para o tratamento da hemorragia pós-parto.

Effectiveness of per rectal misoprostol versus intramuscular oxytocin for prevention of primary postpartum haemorrhage

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of per rectal misoprostol over oxytocin in primary postpartum haemorrhage [PPH]

Study Design: Randomised controlled trial study

Place and Duration of Study: Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, Unit IV, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital, Quetta, from September 2013 to February 2014

Methodology: Emergency obstetric patients receiving per rectal misoprostol [800 micro gm] were named as group 'A' and those receiving 10 units oxytocin intramuscularly were labelled as group 'B'. The patients were followed within 24 hours of spontaneous vaginal deliveries. Pads soaked were used to assess the amount of blood loss

Results: A total of 1,678 patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients in group-A was 29.11 years while the mean age of patients in group-B was 29.16 years. One hundred and twenty-three [14.66%] patients in group-A and 120 [14.31%] patients in group-B had PPH. Among the total 1,678 patients, 243 [14.49%] had postpartum haemorrhage among whom 24 [9.88%] had major haemorrhage with a blood loss >/=1000 mL. Among the sub-group [839 patients] administered misoprostol had 123 [14.66%] patients with blood loss greater than 500 mL and the rest 716 patients [85.34%] had blood loss less than 500 mL. The sub-group administered oxytocin have 120 [14.31%] out of 839 patients with postpartum haemorrhage while 719 [85.69%] had blood loss less than 500 mL

Conclusion: Active management of 3rd stage of labour with per rectal misoprostol administration was as effective as intramuscular oxytocin. Both were equally effective to reduce PPH and the subsequent need for surgical interventions

Prevenção e manejo da hemorragia pós-parto / Prevention and management of postpartum haemorrhage

Introdução: As síndromes hemorrágicas estão entre as principais causas obstétricas diretas de mortes maternas. Segundo dados da Organização Mundial de Saúde estima-se uma morte a cada quatro minutos. A hemorragia pós-parto reflete diretamente a qualidade da assistência, sendo uma das causas potencialmente prevenível e tratável. O desenvolvimento de manejos clínicos para seu controle torna-se de extrema importância na redução da mortalidade materna. Objetivo: Definir a melhor estratégia para a prevenção e o tratamento da hemorragia pós-parto, enfatizando o manejo ativo no terceiro estágio do trabalho de parto. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão de literatura no banco de dados Medline/PubMed, LILACS/SciELO, Cochrane Library e no site do Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists em busca das melhores evidências clínicas disponíveis, considerando-se o grau de recomendação. Resultados: Verificou-se que o manejo ativo da terceira fase do trabalho de parto é de fundamental importância para a prevenção da hemorragia pós-parto. O uso de uterotônicos, sendo a ocitocina o fármaco de primeira linha para este fim, a tração controlada de cordão umbilical com massagem uterina são a base deste tratamento. O tratamento cirúrgico também pode ser necessário e deve ter uma indicação precisa e de acordo com a experiência do cirurgião. Conclusão: Uma boa assistência a gestantes durante o trabalho de parto, principalmente uma conduta ativa no terceiro estágio, interfere de forma positiva para a prevenção de hemorragias maternas graves, contribuindo para o controle e diminuição da mortalidade materna.(AU)

Introduction: The haemorrhagic syndromes are the main causes of direct obstetric maternal deaths. According to data from the World Health Organization estimated one death every four minutes. Postpartum haemorrhage directly reflects the quality of care, being a potentially preventable and treatable causes. The development of clinical managements to their control it becomes of extremely important for reduction maternal mortality. Objective: The aim of this work was to search in literature the most important strategy to prevent and the treat the postpartum haemorrhage, emphaesing the active management in the third stage of labour. Methods: A revision of literature in the Medline/ PubMed, LILACS/ SciELO, Cochrane Library and in the site of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists data base was carried through, in search of the best clinical evidences available, take into account also the degree of recommendation. Results: It was founded that the active management of third stage of labour is fundamental for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. The oxytocin was first line drug for this effect, the control umbilical lace traction with uterine massage is the base of this treatment. The surgery can be necessary and must have a straight indication and the experience of surgeon has a lot of importance. Conclusion: A good care for pregnant women during the labour, mainly in the active third stage of labour interferes in a positive way to prevent severe mothers' haemorrhages, and contributes to the reduction of maternal mortality.(AU)

[Visual estimation of post partum hemorrhage and its treatment]

Postpartum hemorrhage is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality that is preventive by appropriate estimation of blood loss and its treatment. This study was undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of visual estimation of postpartum hemorrhage by clinicians and co worker who work in the obstetrics department. In this descriptive observational study, 199 educational/clinical personnel participated who worked in the obstetrics department of 3 training hospital in Mashhad in 2010. First characteristic of their occupation, educational and period of work experience recorded. Then scenes similar of postpartum hemorrhage were rebuilt by using of expired whole blood in five different volume [500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000 cc]. Participants looked each scenes and estimated volume and necessary treatment and record in forms. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 12 and fisher and student tests and relation between accurate volume of hemorrhage and estimated volume and treatment, occupation and experience of participants were determined. Accuracy visual estimation of blood loss in different volume of postpartum hemorrhage was between 14.3% to 52%. There was no significant association between the position of the participants and accuracy of their estimation and proposed treatments. There was no association between the staffs' work experience and accuracy of their estimation. Visual estimation of blood loss was not accurate in the majority of participants. For prevention of maternal morbidity and mortality education is necessary that to be skilled for accurate estimation of blood loss

Comparison between sublingual misoprostol and intramyometrial prostaglandin F2A in adjunct to routine management of primary postpartum hemmorhage

To study the efficacy of sublingual misoprostol as compared with injectable PGF2alpha in management of primary Post Partum hemorrhage [PPH]. Randomized controlled trial. Combined Military Hospital Risalpur, from January 2006 to September 2008. All patients who reported to CMH Risalpur were included except women with previous cesarean section and those with gestational age less than twenty eight weeks at the time of delivery. They were randomized in two equal groups of thirty patients each. One group received 600mcg sublingual misoprostol [Parke-Davis] combined with standard oxytocic treatment and the other group received intramyometrial PGF2alpha [Prostin F2alpha, Dinoprost- Parke-Davis] combined with standard oxytocic for treatment of primary PPH. There was insignificant difference between both groups in terms of blood loss [p>0.05], treatment failure [p=0.640] and side effects [p=0.05]. Sublingual misoprostol was found to be equally effective as compared to intramyometrial PGF2 alpha for the treatment of primary PPH but superior when price, availability and storage are taken into account

Management of obstetric hemorrhage

Major obstetric hemorrhage is an extremely challenging obstetric emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Pharmacological treatment of uterine atony has not altered much in recent years apart from the increasing use of misoprostol, although controversy surrounds its advantages over other uterotonics. Placenta accreta is becoming more common, a sequel to the rising caesarean section rate. Interventional radiology may reduce blood loss in these cases. Uterine compression sutures, intrauterine tamponade balloons and cell salvage have been introduced in the last decade

Efficacy of intramyometrial prostaglandin in the management of primary postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony in the multipara after failure on convential therapy

To determine the success rate of postgardin [PG] F[2] alpha in a primary post partum Hemorrhage [PPH] due to uterine along in multipara. Quasi-experimental study. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in PNS Shifa Karachi Pakistan, from 1st June 2004 to 30th May 2005. During this one year 126 cases of multipara had primary post partum hemorrhage. Inclusion criteria was multipara who developed PPH due to uterine atony and who did not respond to any other non surgical treatment modalities. Medical diseases were not considered in exclusion criteria. Primary gravida and those with secondary PPH were excluded. Out of these 26 patients had not responded by conventional methods. 250 micro g of PG F[2] alpha was administered intra-myonemetrially. Syntocinon drip was stopped before and ergometrine was not given along this. The patients without uterine atony were managed according to the cause. In this study 26[100%] received PGF[2] alpha out of which 22 [84.6%] patients responded successfully. Two patients required second dose. It was repeated at 15-90 minute interval maximum three doses were tried. The four patients [15.38%] who failed to response, two patients had chorioamionitis, one patient had placenta praevia. One patient had no uterine response possibly due to delayed use of drug and excessive blood loss. PGF[2] alpha is a safe drug which can reduce the rate of surgical procedures in cases uterine atony

Prevención de la hemorragia posparto / Post partum hemorrhage prevention

OBJETIVO: evaluar los cambios en la pérdida estimada de sangre y tasas de Hemorragia Posparto [HPP] derivados del entrenamiento en el Manejo Activo de la Tercera Etapa del Parto [MATED] en cinco Clínicas Materno Infantiles del departamento de Yoro, Honduras. METODOLOGÍA: durante nueve meses, el equipo de investigación enseña las habilidades sobre la pérdida estimada de sangre, establece una tasa base para la HPP y enseña el manejo activo de la tercera etapa del parto. En cada nacimiento se registran la pérdida estimada de sangre, los resultados para la madre y el neonato, así como el uso calculado de Oxitocina en el periodo posnatal. Los datos obtenidos se analizan estadísticamente con SPSS descriptivo, prueba-T y Chi-cuadrado. RESULTADOS: el periodo de estudio previo al entrenamiento en MATEP incluye 178 casos, el periodo posterior al entrenamiento incluye 392 casos. La pérdida estimada de sangre durante el periodo previo es de 109 ml en promedio, comparado con 81 ml en promedio que se obtiene durante el periodo posterior al entrenamiento (p=.004). En la fase previa y posterior a/ entrenamiento, el uso de Oxitocina en el periodo posparto es de 99.5%, aunque en el 17% de los casos reportados la administración de Oxitocina se realiza después de la expulsión de la placenta. Después del entrenamiento en MATER la tasa de hemorragia posparto disminuye del 7.3% al 3.8%, dato que no es estadísticamente significativo.

AIM: evaluate the changes in estimated blood loss and Post Partum Hemorrhage [PPH] rates with dissemination of Active Management of Third Stage of Labor [AMTSL] training to five Clinicas Materno Infantiles in the state of Yoro, Honduras. METHODS: over a nine month period, the research team utilized a two part training module to first teach the skills of estimated blood loss to establish a baseline rate for PPH and then in the second phase teach skills of active management of third stage labor. Estimated blood loss, outcomes for mother and neonate as well as the use and timing of Oxytocin in the postpartum period were recorded for each birth for the research team. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS for descriptive, t-test and chi-square statistics. RESULTS: pre-AMTSL training period N= 178, post AMTSL training N=392. Estimated blood loss pre-AMTSL training was a mean of 109 ml compared with post-training period of 81ml (p=.004). The use of Oxytocin in the postpartum period was 99.5% in both pre and post AMTSL training, though 17% of the cases reported Oxytocin administration after delivery of the placenta. The postpartum hemorrhage rate decreased from 7.3% to 3.8% after the AMTSL training, but was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: AMTSL training reduced estimated blood loss though did not significantly change PPH rates in this study. Use of Oxytocin postpartum has become a regular component of care provided.

Update on misoprostol

Misoprostol, a drug primarily developed for the treatment of peptic ulcer is now being widely used for ever increasing indications in obstetrics and gynaecology due to its uterotonic action. The drug has come a long way following off label use and warning from manufacturers and FDA. Initially introduction of drug led to a flurry of adverse reports due to publication bias and also the fact that optimal dose and route was yet to be determined. There are more randomized controlled trials on use of this novel drug compared to any other drug in obstetrics and gynaecology. Finally after federal drug agency [FDA] approval in USA and recommendation the drug is used widely. Due to low cost, ease of storage and multiple routes of administration- oral, sublingual, vaginal and rectal uptake was very rapid. Misoprostol has changed the face of 1 st trimester medical termination an also 2 nd trimester induction. As an alternative to dinoprostone the safety of the drug has been validated along with great cost savings. Except for prophylaxis of post partum haemorrhage where the drug was less effective compared to counterparts there is evidence in favour of misoprostol for all other indications

A study of prophylactic use of 15-methyl prostalglandin F2alpha in the active management of third stage of labour.

To compare active management of third stage of labour with 15-methyl prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) and conventional management with methylergometrine as prophylaxis for postpartum hemorrhage, a randomised comparative study was carried out at Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata on 100 women. They were randomly allotted to one of the two groups. Group A included 50 women who received 15-methyl PGF2alpha (125 microg) intramusculary at the time of delivery of the anterior shoulder and group B included 50 women who underwent conventional management of the third stage of labour where methylergometrine 0.2 mg was given after delivery of placenta. Main outcome measured were duration of third stage, amount of bleeding and side-effects. The present study showed that there were significent reduction of the duration of third stage as well as reduction of amount of bleeding particularly when 125 microg of 15-methyl PGF2alpha was given intramuscularly at the time of delivery of the anterior shoulder in comparison to coventional method of management of third stage of labour with methylergometrine. Placental expulsion occurred within 4 minutes in group A and 16.5 minutes in group B. The amount of bleeding following delivery was 95.6 ml in average in group A and 249.6 ml in average in group B. 15-methyl PGF2alpha (125 microg) is certainly effective in prevention of postpartum haemorrhage particularly in developing country like India where this complication contributes a major factor for maternal mortality.

Hemorragia puerperal: qual melhor uterotônico para profilaxia? / Postpartum haemorrhage: what is the best uterotonic agent for prophylaxis?

A hemorragia puerperal é a principal causa isolada de morbimortalidde materna no mundo. O uso rotineiro de uterotônicos no terceiro período do parto mostrou reduzir a incidência de hemorragia puerperal em 40 a 50 porcento, mas a droga de escolha ainda é desconhecida por muitos obstetras. Foi feita uma atualização sobre as drogas comumente usadas para profilaxia da hemorragia puerperal, comparando principalmente a eficácia e os efeitos colaterais.

Effectiveness of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVII a) for controlling intractable postpartum bleeding: report of two cases and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant activated factor VII is used for the treatment in patients with inherited or acquired hemophilia with inhibitors and congenital factor VII deficiencies. OBJECTIVE: Using recombinant activated factor VII in primary postpartum hemorrhage. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Two cases of women who had postpartum hemorrhage and were treated with recombinant activated factor VII after all conventional treatment failed. RESULTS: The intractable hemorrhage stopped after treatment with recombinant activated factor VII CONCLUSION: The present report showed that massive postpartum hemorrhage that failed to all procedures was controlled successfully by recombinant activated factor VII.

[Comparison of intramuscular syntometrine and intravenous oxytocin in management of the third stage of labor]

One of the main etiologies of maternal mortality is obstetrical hemorrhage. The first step in decreasing hemorrhage is the use of uterotonic drugs in the third stage of labor. To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous oxytocin and intramuscular syntometrine in management of the third stage of labor. This randomized double blind clinical trial was carried out at Kosar Hospital, Qazvin [Iran] in 2005. A total of 800 women having a singleton pregnancy and vaginal delivery were randomized to receive either 1 ml of syntometrine intramuscularly, or 10 units of intravenous oxytocine following delivery of the anterior shoulder of fetus. Hemoglobin level pre- and 24 hours post-delivery, duration of third stage, need for re-administration of uterotonic drugs, need for manual removal of placenta, and unpleasant side effects including nausea, vomiting, headache and hypertension were recorded. The data were analyzed using chi-square test. Mean drop percent of hemoglobin level in oxytocin group was 3.7 +/- 2.54% and in syntometrine group 3.6+2.49% with no significant difference, statistically. There was also no statistically significant difference between the need for re-administration of uterotonic drugs, duration of third stage of labor, need for manual removal of placenta and the maternal side effect in two groups. Regarding the efficacy and side effects of intravenous oxytocin and intramuscular syntometrine, no difference was found