title: Effect of the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths on the use of Syntocinon at Caesarean section in the UK.
abstract: The recommended dose of Syntocinon used for uterine contraction at Caesarean section is5 units intravenously, given slowly. We conducted a survey of the use of Syntocinon at Caesarean section among 240 lead obstetric anaesthetists in the UK in 2001 and found that 155 (87%) of the 179 (75%) respondents gave 10 units, 77 of them (50%) by rapid bolus. The risks of Syntocinon, especially given by rapid injection, were highlighted in the report of the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the UK (1997-99), which was published at the end of 2001, and so the survey was repeated in 2002. Of the 256 forms sent, 198 completed replies were returned (77%); these indicated a dramatic change of practice: only 30 (15%) now gave 10 units and only 7 of these (23%) by a rapid injection. One hundred and sixty-seven respondents to the second survey (84%) stated they had changed their practice and 159 of these (95%) gave the Confidential Enquiries report as the main reason for change. These results highlight the importance of the Confidential Enquiries as a means of improving practice.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Bolton
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Randall
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Yentis
mesh_terms: D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006079:Government Publications as Topic; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011247:Pregnancy; D006113:United Kingdom; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D010121:Oxytocin