title: A randomized comparison of oxytocin, sulprostone and placebo in the management of the third stage of labour.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the effect on post partum bloodloss of the postpartum prophylactic administration of oxytocin or sulprostone in low risk women having an expectant management of the third stage.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, placebo controlled, double-blind trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Radboud University Hospital, Nijmegen (67 women) and Lievensberg Hospital, Bergen op Zoom (10 women).
  
  
  METHODS
  77 women entered the trial (three were excluded).
  
  
  METHODS
  The intramuscular injection, immediately after the birth of the baby, of either oxytocin 5 IU, sulprostone 500 micrograms or 0.9% saline.
  
  
  METHODS
  Quantitative postpartum blood loss and length of third stage.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Postpartum blood loss was reduced almost equally, by about 35%, by oxytocin (P = 0.02), or sulprostone (P = 0.05). The mean length of the third stage was shorter in both groups receiving the active treatment, this effect was significant in the sulprostone group (P = 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Prophylactic administration of oxytocin or sulprostone directly after delivery followed by expectant management of the third stage reduces post partum blood loss and shortens the third stage.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, State University Hospital, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: R P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Poeschmann
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Doesburg
authors.forename: T K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Eskes
mesh_terms: D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007749:Labor Stage, Third; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D010121:Oxytocin; C016767:sulprostone; D015232:Dinoprostone