Effect of saline and glucose infusions of oxytocin on neonatal bilirubin levels.
OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the effect of isotonic saline and glucose infusions of oxytocin on neonatal bilirubin levels.


METHODS
Eighty-two parturient Nigerian women requiring oxytocin infusion in labor were randomized into two groups receiving 0.9% saline or 5% glucose, respectively. A group of 82 women not requiring oxytocin were recruited for comparison. All had sodium and bilirubin estimations in cord plasma and neonatal bilirubin assay on Day 3.


RESULTS
Analysis of variance revealed higher mean cord and neonatal bilirubin levels in the glucose group compared with the other two (P < 0.05). Significant inverse correlation was observed between cord plasma sodium and neonatal bilirubin levels in all groups. Hyperbilirubinemia occurred in 55% of babies in the glucose group compared with 21% and 22% in the saline and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of isotonic saline rather than 5% glucose solution as vehicle for oxytocin infusion in labor appears to be associated with lower neonatal bilirubin levels.
Omigbodun
A O
AO
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Akindele
J A
JA
Osotimehin
B O
BO
Fatinikun
T
T
Fajimi
J L
JL
Adeleye
J A
JA
D000328:Adult; D001663:Bilirubin / Q000097:blood; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D007567:Jaundice, Neonatal / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012965:Sodium Chloride
D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D010121:Oxytocin; D005947:Glucose; D001663:Bilirubin