Is oxytocin given during surgical termination of first trimester pregnancy useful? A randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the impact of 5 IU (international units) of oxytocin administered during surgical termination of first-trimester pregnancy compared to no oxytocin, on postoperative bleeding, pain and nausea.


METHODS
A randomized controlled single-blinded study.


METHODS
A Norwegian community hospital with 1,064 consecutive legal abortions in the 20 months of study period.


METHODS
A total of 378 women undergoing surgical termination of first-trimester pregnancy and willing to participate in the study.


METHODS
Women were randomized into two groups: Group 1, receiving a standard procedure of 5 IU of oxytocin during the surgical procedure, or Group 2, receiving no oxytocic agent. All women had preoperative misoprostol.


METHODS
Vaginal bleeding, pain and nausea recorded by weighing pads immediately after the surgical procedure and counting pads during the three following days.


RESULTS
No significant differences between the two groups could be demonstrated with regard to the recorded postoperative blood loss, pain and nausea.


CONCLUSIONS
The standard routine of administering oxytocin during surgical termination of first-trimester pregnancy should be revised.
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Asker and Baerum Hospital, Norway. IngeridHeleneHerstad.Nygaard@vestreviken.no
Ingerid Helene Herstad
IH
Nygaard
Annelill
A
Valbø
Helene Christine
HC
Heide
Milena
M
Kresovic
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D009325:Nausea / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009664:Norway; D010120:Oxytocics; D010121:Oxytocin; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D010120:Oxytocics; D010121:Oxytocin