Use of methergine for the prevention of postoperative endometritis in non-elective cesarean section patients.
OBJECTIVE
Methergine increases constriction of uterine musculature which may facilitate sloughing of endometrial debris, close uterine vessels, and prevent post-cesarean endometritis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of methergine in preventing endometritis in patients undergoing non-elective cesarean section delivery.


METHODS
Eighty patients undergoing non-elective cesarean section were enrolled in a prospective randomized clinical trial of methergine (41) versus no methergine (39) administration during the postpartum period. The hospital records were abstracted after discharge to compare the postpartum course.


RESULTS
There were no significant demographic differences between the two groups. The women receiving methergine had a significant reduction in the rate of postoperative endometritis (10% vs. 36%, P < 0.005). In addition, the mean postoperative hemoglobin was significantly higher in the methergine treated group (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of methergine postpartum in women undergoing non-elective cesarean sections significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative endometritis and blood loss.
Dweck
M F
MF
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa 33606, USA.
Lynch
C M
CM
Spellacy
W N
WN
D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D004716:Endometritis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008755:Methylergonovine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006454:Hemoglobins; D010120:Oxytocics; D008755:Methylergonovine