A RANDOMIZED STUDY COMPARING THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF TWO DIFFERENT BOLUS DOSES OF OXYTOCIN DURING CAESAREAN DELIVERY

Abstract

Background: Typically, oxytocin is used to induce uterine contractions during caesarean delivery. The intravenous administration of oxytocin is known to have negative side effects, including tachycardia, hypotension, and alterations in electrocardiograms (EKGs), which can be harmful in high-risk patients. In this study, we contrasted the outcomes of two oxytocin dosages. Methods: A total of 70 patients—35 in each group—were receiving an I.V. bolus of 2 or 5 units of oxytocin while undergoing elective caesarean sections under spinal anaesthesia. An hourly infusion of ve units of oxytocin was then administered. Evaluation of uterine tone, the need for further uterotonic drugs, changes in hemodynamics, and adverse pharmacological effects were compared between the two groups. Results: The two groups' patients had similar characteristics. At two minutes, uterine tone ratings remained similar. The difference between the two groups at the fth minute was statistically signicant. At the fth minute, there was a substantial change in the clinically acceptable uterine tone measured over the entire trial time. At the rst minute, the percentage rise in the mean maternal HR was observed to differ signicantly (p=0.002). No signicant difference in maternal tachycardia existed across the groups. When the systolic blood pressure was compared to the baseline at 1, 2, 3, 4, 15, 18, and 21 minutes, there was a discernible difference in the percent drop. There was a noticeable difference in the diastolic blood pressure during the entire trial period. Only few cases had side effects like nausea and vomiting, there was no appreciable difference. Conclusion: In healthy adult women having an elective caesarean section, a 2-unit oxytocin bolus followed by an infusion of 5 units per hour had a positive effectiveness and safety prole.