A randomized study comparing rectally administered misoprostol versus Syntometrine combined with an oxytocin infusion for the cessation of primary post partum hemorrhage
Au. Lokugamage et al., A randomized study comparing rectally administered misoprostol versus Syntometrine combined with an oxytocin infusion for the cessation of primary post partum hemorrhage, ACT OBST SC, 80(9), 2001, pp. 835-839
Background. Post partum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal death, part
icularly in developing countries, and most cases are due to an atonic uteru
s. Hemorrhage can occur despite active management of the third stage of lab
or. Presently, misoprostol (Cytotec, Searle Pharmaceuticals) is the only th
ermostable uterotonic agent potentially available which would be economical
ly beneficial for developing countries where refrigeration of drugs poses a
problem. The objective of the study was to compare intra-muscular Syntomet
rine (Sandoz Pharmaceuticals) (ampoule=5 iu oxytocin and 500 mcg ergometrin
e maleate) plus Syntocinon (Sandoz Pharmceuticals) (10 iu oxytocin diluted
in 500 ml normal saline) intravenous infusion versus 800 mcg misoprostol pe
r rectum for treatment of primary post partum hemorrhage in a developing co
untry.
Methods. Randomized single blinded two-center study, set in both a township
and teaching hospital in South Africa. Sixty-four women with primary post
partum hemorrhage due to an atonic uterus were recruited. The primary outco
me measure was whether the hemorrhage ceased within 20 minutes of administe
ring the first line treatment, once hemorrhage was clinically recognized.
Results. There was a 28.1% difference between the misoprostol arm and the S
yntometrine and Syntocinon arm (p=0.01). This result had a greater than 80%
power. Misoprostol performed better.
Conclusion. 800 mcg misoprostol per rectum is effective at treating primary
post partum hemorrhage.