Augmentation of labour: does oxytocin titration to achieve preset active contraction area values produce better obstetric outcome?
The value of quantifying active contraction area to guide oxytocin titration in augmentation of labour was investigated by a randomised trial. Sixty-eight nulliparae with slow progress of labour had oxytocin titrated to achieve preset "optimal" active contraction area or "optimal" frequency of contractions in a randomised manner. There was no difference in maternal characteristics of age and height, pre-augmentation period of observed labour or cervical dilatation at the onset of augmentation between the 2 groups. The maximum dose of oxytocin, post-augmentation period and the number of operative deliveries were similar. There was no difference in the mean birth weight of neonates, or in the number of neonates who had low Apgar score or acidotic cord arterial blood pH. Our results suggest that there may be no advantage in oxytocin titration to achieve preset "optimal" active contraction area compared with "optimal" frequency of uterine contractions in nulliparae with slow progress of labour.
Arulkumaran
S
S
Yang
M
M
Ingemarsson
I
I
Singh
P
P
Ratnam
S S
SS
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects*
D010121:Oxytocin