If you are seeing this message, you may be experiencing temporary network problems. Please wait a few minutes and refresh the page. If the problem persists, you may wish to report it to your local Network Manager.

It is also possible that your web browser is not configured or not able to display style sheets. In this case, although the visual presentation will be degraded, the site should continue to be functional. We recommend using the latest version of Microsoft or Mozilla web browser to help minimise these problems.

Wiley InterScience

< Previous Abstract  |  Next Abstract >

Save Article to My Profile      Download Citation      Request Permissions

Abstract |  References  |  Full Text: HTML, PDF (Size: 60K)  | Related Articles | Citation Tracking

A randomized study comparing rectally administered misoprostol versus Syntometrine combined with an oxytocin infusion for the cessation of primary post partum hemorrhage
Amali U. Lokugamage 1 , Keith R. Sullivan 1 , Iosif Niculescu 2 , Patrick Tigere 2 , Felix Onyangunga 2 , Hazem El Refaey 3 , Jagidesa Moodley 2 and Charles H. Rodeck 1
From the Departments of Obstetrics & Gynaecology,  1Gower Street Campus, Royal Free and University College London School, London, UK, and   2 the University of Natal Durban, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, and   3 Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, London, UK
Address for correspondence: Dr Amali Lokugamage, B.Sc., M.B.Ch.B., M.R.C.O.G.
Honorary Lecturer/Specialist Registrar
Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
University College London
Gower Street Campus
86–96 Chenies Mews
London WC1E 6HX
United Kingdom
e-mail: a.lokugamage@ucl.ac.uk
Copyright Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2001
KEYWORDS
misoprostol • post partum hemorrhage • uterotonic agents

ABSTRACT

Background. Post partum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal death, particularly in developing countries, and most cases are due to an atonic uterus. Hemorrhage can occur despite active management of the third stage of labor. Presently, misoprostol (Cytotec, Searle Pharmaceuticals) is the only thermostable uterotonic agent potentially available which would be economically beneficial for developing countries where refrigeration of drugs poses a problem. The objective of the study was to compare intra-muscular Syntometrine (Sandoz Pharmaceuticals) (ampoule=5 iu oxytocin and 500 mcg ergometrine maleate) plus Syntocinon (Sandoz Pharmceuticals) (10 iu oxytocin diluted in 500 ml normal saline) intravenous infusion versus 800 mcg misoprostol per rectum for treatment of primary post partum hemorrhage in a developing country.

Methods. Randomized single blinded two-center study, set in both a township and teaching hospital in South Africa. Sixty-four women with primary post partum hemorrhage due to an atonic uterus were recruited. The primary outcome measure was whether the hemorrhage ceased within 20 minutes of administering the first line treatment, once hemorrhage was clinically recognized.

Results. There was a 28.1% difference between the misoprostol arm and the Syntometrine and Syntocinon arm (p=0.01). This result had a greater than 80% power. Misoprostol performed better.

Conclusion. 800 mcg misoprostol per rectum is effective at treating primary post partum hemorrhage.


Submitted 9 February, 2001
Accepted 24 May, 2001

DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER (DOI)
10.1034/j.1600-0412.2001.080009835.x About DOI

Related Articles

  • Find other articles like this in Wiley InterScience
  • Find articles in Wiley InterScience written by any of the authors

Wiley InterScience is a member of CrossRef.

Cross Ref Member