A comparative study on rectal misoprostol versus intramuscular oxytocin to prevent postpartum haemorrhage

Abstract

Objective: 1. To compare the efficacy of 800 mcg of rectal misoprostol with 10U I.M Oxytocin in prevention of postpartum haemorrhage 2. To assess the safety of both the drugs.Methodology: A prospective, double-blind study carried out for a period of 1 year. 240 cases had been taken for the study, which were divided randomly into two groups containing 120 cases each i.e. Group A were given 10 IU oxytocin intramuscularly immediately after delivery. Group B were given 800 mcg rectal misoprostol immediately after delivery. The personal information and medical data of the selected cases were collected in structured proforma. Statistical analysis was done using Epidemiological Information Package (EPI2002).Results: Mean Blood loss for Group A – 224.4 ml and mean Blood Loss for Group B – 240.4 ml and with insignificant difference (p 0.132). The mean blood loss in the injection Oxytocin group was lower than mean blood loss in the tablet Misoprostol group but the difference was not statistically significant. The incidence of PPH was 5.82% in Group A and 6.6% in Group B. The difference was not statistically significant.Shivering, pyrexia was found more in misoprostol group than oxytocin with the incidence being 12.5% versus 7% (shivering) and 8.3% versus 2.5% (pyrexia) respectively. Conclusion: It is observed that the misoprostol 800µg rectally is as effective as intramuscular oxytocin 10 IU when used during the active management of third stage of labour for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage.