Oxytocics for the prevention of post-partum haemorrhages. A review.
Secale alkaloids, oxytocin and prostaglandins are used to prevent post-partum haemorrhage (post-partum haemorrhage defined as blood loss greater than or equal to 500 ml). Any oxytocic drug administered in the third stage of labour reduces the blood loss with approximately 40% and hence the incidence of post-partum haemorrhage from 10 to 6%. Therefore, routine active management of the third stage with an oxytocic drug is strongly advocated. Because of the fewest side-effects oxytocin is regarded as the best drug available at this moment.
Van Dongen
P W
PW
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Van Roosmalen
J
J
De Boer
C N
CN
Van Rooij
J
J
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy
D010120:Oxytocics