Oxytocin and syntometrine in prevention of postpartum hemorrhage

ABSTRACT

To compare the effect and side-effects of intramuscular syntometrine and syntocinon in the management of the third stage of labor. Five hundred eighty-three women with a singleton pregnancy and normal vaginal delivery were randomly allocated to receive syntometrine [n=293] or oxytocin [n=290] at Queen Alia Military Hospital between 1° February 30th April 1997. The rate of postpartum hemorrhage and side effects of syntometrine and oxytocin in the two groups were statistically compared using chi-square test. No statistical significant difference was found between both groups, for postpartum hemorrhage at the end of 2nd and 3rd stage of labour. However, there were significant statistical differences in the incidence of side effects [Nausea, vomiting, hypertension] at the end of 2nd and 3rd stage of labor between both groups. Intramuscular Oxytocin is equally effective to intramuscular syntometrine in prevention of post-partum hemorrhage, but carried less side effects and complication in comparison to intramuscular syntometrine