Use of oral misoprostol in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the use of the oral prostaglandin E1 analogue, misoprostol in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage.


METHODS
A prospective observational study.


METHODS
A university teaching hospital.


METHODS
Two hundred and thirty-seven consecutive women undergoing vaginal delivery.


METHODS
All the women were given 600 micrograms oral misoprostol just after delivery.


METHODS
Rates of postpartum haemorrhage; need for therapeutic oxytocic drugs; retained placenta and length of the third stage of labour.


RESULTS
Postpartum haemorrhage occurred in 6% of the women; the need for therapeutic oxytocics in 5%, retained placenta in 2% and the median length of the third stage was 5 min. Vomiting and diarrhoea in the first hour after delivery occurred in 8% and 3% respectively and shivering in 60%.


CONCLUSIONS
Misoprostol may be effective in the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage, and has few side effects. A double blind randomised trial is required.
el-Refaey
H
H
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Hospital, London, UK.
O'Brien
P
P
Morafa
W
W
Walder
J
J
Rodeck
C
C
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011181:Postnatal Care; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011446:Prospective Studies
D010120:Oxytocics; D016595:Misoprostol