Prophylactic use of oxytocin versus oxytocin plus ergometrin for prevention of post partum haemorrhage

ABSTRACT

To assess the effects of oxytocin [Syntocinon] versus oxytocin plus ergometrin [Syntometrin] in reducing the risk of post partum haemorrhage and to find out their side effects. Comparative analytical study. The study was performed at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics over a period of one year from January 2002 to December 2002. Three hundred patients were selected by non-probability convenience sampling. This study was conducted on the patients admitted in labour room, with singleton pregnancy in whom vaginal delivery was imminent. The patients were grouped in three categories. The group I comprised of 150 patients who received injection oxytocin 5 unit I/V alone. The group II comprised of 150 patients who received injection oxytocin 5 unit and injection ergometrin 0.5mg. I/M. The injections were given after expulsion of placenta. Blood loss during delivery was estimated by measuring the amount of blood clots and weighing the towels and swabs soaked before and after delivery. Any delayed haemorrhage within in the first 24 hours after delivery was also recorded. Maternal blood pressure was measured immediately after delivery. The side effects like nausea, vomiting and headache were noted from time ranging -l hour after delivery. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 10. The rate of 46.7 percent of blood loss of 500ml in Syntocinon group was observed significantly high as compared to that of 36.7 percent of syntometrin [p 0.05]. The rate of adverse effects in group I was 8 percent and 17.3 percent in group II. The data revealed a significantly high rate [Z=2.39 P=0.008] of adverse effects in group II patients than group I [p 0.05]. Oxytocin alone is as effective as the use of oxytocin plus ergometrin in the prevention of post partum haemorrhage and is associated with significantly fewer maternal side effects