Oxytocin: taking the heat.

Stephen Hodgins

doi:10.9745/ghsp-d-14-00102

Abstract

Oxytocin-in-Uniject satisfied the standards of its temperature-time indicator (TTI) in severe home storage conditions, although that required resupply every 30 days-a logistically onerous programmatic standard. Possible advances include: (1) incorporating TTIs with packaged batches of less expensive and more widely used conventional vials of oxytocin; (2) using TTIs calibrated more closely to the actual temperature sensitivity of oxytocin; and (3) researching whether a lower dose of oxytocin would be equally efficacious in preventing postpartum hemorrhage.

Highlights

Oxytocin-in-Uniject satisfied the standards of its temperature-time indicator (TTI) in severe home storage conditions, that required resupply every 30 days—a logistically onerous programmatic standard
Mullany and colleagues conclude that even without special provisions for refrigeration at point-of-use, a stock resupply protocol that—on a monthly basis—recovers and disposes of any unused oxytocin would result in very few doses falling below the TTI reject threshold
Much more widespread use of a temperature-time monitor for oxytocin, like the TTI currently used for OIU, would certainly be helpful in providing managers and clinicians a clear indication of which doses to reject and where there may be breaches in the ‘‘coolchain.’’

Summary

Introduction

Oxytocin-in-Uniject satisfied the standards of its temperature-time indicator (TTI) in severe home storage conditions, that required resupply every 30 days—a logistically onerous programmatic standard. The single most important preventive intervention for PPH is active management of the third stage of labor, the most important element of which is administration of oxytocin (misoprostol, an orally administered drug, is almost as efficacious).

Results

Conclusion