Oxytocin-ergometrine co-administration does not reduce blood loss at caesarean delivery for labour arrest.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if intravenous infusion of a combination of oxytocin and ergometrine maleate is better than oxytocin alone to decrease blood loss at caesarean delivery for labour arrest.


METHODS
Prospective, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada.


METHODS
Women undergoing caesarean deliveries for labour arrest.


METHODS
Forty-eight women were randomised to receive infusion of either ergometrine maleate 0.25 mg + oxytocin 20 iu or oxytocin 20 iu alone, diluted in 1 l of lactated Ringer's Solution, immediately after delivery of the infant. Unsatisfactory uterine contractions after delivery were treated with additional boluses of the study solution or rescue carboprost. Blood loss was estimated based on the haematocrit values before and 48 hours after delivery.


METHODS
The primary outcome was the estimated blood loss, while the secondary outcomes included the use of additional uterotonics, need for blood transfusion and the incidence of adverse effects.


RESULTS
The estimated blood loss was similar in the oxytocin-ergometrine and oxytocin-only groups; 1218 +/- 716 ml and 1299 +/- 774 ml, respectively (P = 0.72). Significantly fewer women required additional boluses of the study drug in the oxytocin-ergometrine group (21 and 57%; P = 0.01). Nausea (42 and 9%; P = 0.01) and vomiting (25 and 4%; P = 0.05) were significantly more prevalent in the oxytocin-ergometrine group.


CONCLUSIONS
In women undergoing caesarean delivery for labour arrest, the co-administration of ergometrine with oxytocin does not reduce intraoperative blood loss, despite apparently superior uterine contraction.
Balki
M
M
Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. mrinalini.balki@uhn.on.ca
Dhumne
S
S
Kasodekar
S
S
Kingdom
J
J
Windrim
R
R
Carvalho
J C A
JC
D000328:Adult; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D004874:Ergonovine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000601:surgery*; D010120:Oxytocics; D010121:Oxytocin; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D017211:Treatment Failure; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects
D010120:Oxytocics; D010121:Oxytocin; D004874:Ergonovine