Low-dose versus high-dose oxytocin augmentation of labor--a randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose versus high-dose oxytocin regimens in the augmentation of labor.


METHODS
Three hundred ten term pregnancies requiring augmentation of labor underwent randomization to receive either a low-dose or high-dose oxytocin augmentation regimen. Maternal demographics, labor-delivery data, and neonatal outcome were compared.


RESULTS
The high-dose oxytocin group had a significantly lower cesarean section rate, regardless of parity (10.4% vs 25.7%, p < 0.001), with no differences in maternal complications and neonatal outcomes. The time needed to correct the labor abnormality was also significantly decreased (1.24 +/- 1.4 hours vs 3.12 +/- 1.6 hours, p < 0.001) in the high-dose group.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of high-dose oxytocin regimen benefits both nulliparous and multiparous women requiring labor augmentation by significantly lowering both the time necessary to correct the labor abnormality and the need for cesarean section.
Xenakis
E M
EM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio 78284-7836, USA.
Langer
O
O
Piper
J M
JM
Conway
D
D
Berkus
M D
MD
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010121:Oxytocin