Effect of oxytocin administration during labour on neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: a study of liver functions and red cell deformability

Fourty newborn infants divided into 4 equal groups were the subject matter of this study. The first group A Control group [10]. Their mothers received no oxytocin infusion for induction of labour, the second group B [10] received 5 units oxytocin, the third group C [10] infused with 5 units of oxytocin and the babies born prematurely and/or low birth weight, the fourth group D [10] received 10 units or more of oxytocin. Estimation of red cell deformability including reticulocytic count [R.C.]. Osmotic fragility [0.F.]. serum haptoglobin [Hapt] and autohemolysis [auto] values and some liver function tests including serum transaminases [SGPT and SGOT], gammaglutamyl transferase enzyme [GGT]. Alkaline Phosphatase [Alk. Phase] and Prothrombin time [Pt]. These parameters were done in the cord blood and at the fifth day of life. The results showed a clear evidence of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn infants with increased incidence in those born after oxytocin administration specially with large doses and in premature babies. The hyperbilirubinemia was accompanied by significant increase in reticulocytic count, osmotic fragility and autohemolysis with absence of haptoglobin. Also with evidence of disturbed liver functions. The explanation of the findings and their correlations with oxytocin effect have been discussed