Comparative study between high dose versus low dose oxytocin for augmentation of labor in relation to maternal and fetal outcome

Abstract

Background: The use of oxytocin is common for shortening labor to reduce maternal and fetal morbidity. However, the use of various dosage forms for labor induction is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of high vs low dose oxytocin for labor augmentation and its impact on maternal and neonatal outcome. Materials and Method: This randomized, controlled study included100 subjects who were randomly assigned to Groups I (low dose oxytocin) and II (high dose oxytocin) with 50 subjects each. Maternal parameters like mode of delivery, labor duration, tachysystole, post-partum hemorrhage, uterine atony, uterine rupture, chorioamnionitis, and maternal mortality were assessed. Fetal parameters such as Apgar score and duration of NICU admission were assessed. Data was analyzed using Chi-square test. P value of <0.05 was regarded statistically significant. Results: Significant differences were observed among two groups with respect to age and weight (p=0.027 and p=0.001). Duration of labor showed a significant difference for augmentation to full dilatation interval (AFD) and augmentation to delivery (AD) (p<0.001) between two groups.