Misoprostol for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of 400 microg rectal misoprostol in 5 cm(3) of saline with oxytocin 10 IU, i.m., in reducing bleeding during the third stage of labor.


METHODS
A double blind, randomized, clinical trial including 663 women with uncomplicated vaginal delivery who received misoprostol (n=324) or oxytocin (n=339).


METHODS
Changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit from before to 72 h postpartum; blood loss during the third stage; duration of the third stage of labor; need for additional oxytocic drug; frequency of requisition and of administration of blood; changes in blood pressure; and occurrence of side effects.


RESULTS
No significant differences were observed between groups, before and 72 h postpartum, in mean hemoglobin and hematocrit, on volume of blood loss and duration of third stage of labor. The incidence of shivering and mean temperature (P<0.01) was significantly greater among women receiving misoprostol than oxytocin.


CONCLUSIONS
Misoprostol administered as a micro-enema, 400 microg in 5 ml of saline during the third stage of labor, appears to be as effective as oxytocin 10 IU, i.m., but misoprostol produced more side effects than oxytocin.
Bugalho
A
A
Maternity of the Hospital Central de Maputo, Maputo, Mozambique. abugalho@zebra.uem.mz
Daniel
A
A
Faúndes
A
A
Cunha
M
M
D000285:Administration, Rectal; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006473:Postpartum Hemorrhage / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010120:Oxytocics; D016595:Misoprostol; D010121:Oxytocin