POSTPARTUM HAEMORRHAGE

Abstract

The most common complication 0f the third stage of labour is postpartumhaemorrhage, which remains a leading cause of maternal mortality (25.0%), especially indeveloping countries. In developed countries, 3-5% of deliveries are complicated by postpartumhaemorrhage: in developing countries, it is 50 times more common .Third stage of labourwhich exceeds 30 minutes is associated with a significant risk of postpartum haemorrhage andpuerperal infection. The best preventive strategy for these complications is active managementof third stage of labour. Active management includes administration of oxytocin within oneminute of birth of baby. Objectives: To compare the mean blood loss after administration ofintra umbilical oxytocin versus intravenous oxytocin at anterior shoulder for active managementof third stage of labour. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Period: Six months from1-1-2013 to 30-06-2013. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Unit-III JinnahHospital Lahore. Methodology: 100 patients fulfilling selection criteria were included in thestudy from labour room. These patients were randomly divided into two groups by usinglottery method. Group-A, 50 patients were administered 10 units of oxytocin diluted in 20ml ofnormal saline intraumbilically and group-B, 50 patients were administered 5 units of oxytocinintravenous stat at anterior shoulder. Total blood loss was noted after complete delivery ofplacenta. Results: Mean age was 25.0±3.9 and 24.4±3.5 in group-A and B, respectively. Meangestational age was 38.20±0.96 weeks in group-A and 38.40±0.94 weeks in group-B. Meanblood loss in intraumbilical oxytocin group was 311.20±27.23 ml and in intravenous oxytocingroup mean blood loss was 373.60±66.47 ml. There was statistically significant differencebetween two groups (p<0.001). In group-A 15 patients (30.0%) and in group-B 20 patients(40.0%) were primigravida while remaining patients were multigravida. Conclusion: The usageof intraumbilical oxytocin in active management of third stage of labour is beneficial in reducingthe blood loss in third stage and thus helps in preventing postpartum haemorrhage.