Oxytocin Group Research Articles

Effect of chronic exogenous oxytocin administration on exercise performance and cardiovagal control in hypobaric hypoxia in rats

BackgroundOutstanding exercise performance has been associated with an exacerbated vagal outflow. Nevertheless, during high-altitude hypobaric-hypoxia (HH), there is a baroreflex-dependent parasympathetic withdrawal and exercise performance deterioration. Notably, vagal control is pivotal in exercise performance, and exogenous oxytocin (OXY) administration has been shown to enhance parasympathetic drive; however, no evidence shows their role in exercise performance during HH. Then, this study aimed to examine the effect of prolonged exogenous oxytocin (OXY) administration on exercise performance during hypobaric hypoxia (HH) in rats.ResultsA vehicle group (n = 6) and an OXY group (n = 6) performed incremental exercise and baroreflex tests during both normobaric normoxia (NN) and HH (PO2: 100 mmHg, simulated 3,500 m) prior (pre-) and after (post-) 14 days of administration. The results showed that at pre-, there were no significant differences in exercise performance between the two groups, while at post-, the OXY group exhibited similar performance between NN and HH, while the Vehicle group maintained a significant decline in performance at HH compared to NN. At post-, the Vehicle group also demonstrated a reset in the baroreflex and a worse bradycardic response in HH, which was reversed in the OXY group, while the hypoxic ventilatory response was similar in both groups.ConclusionThe findings suggest prolonged OXY administration prevents impaired exercise performance and vagal control during short-term HH.

Effect of Prophylactic Tranexamic Acid on Peripartum Changes in Hemoglobin Concentration After Vaginal Delivery

Objective: To evaluate the effect of prophylactic intravenous tranexamic acid on postpartum hemoglobin concentration values compared to control. Methods: This is a randomized controlled study involving 80 parturients with no apparent risk for PPH in a tertiary hospital who were grouped into two of 40 each. Group A received 10iu of oxytocin intramuscularly with 1000mg of intravenous tranexamic acid within one minute of having vaginal delivery of the baby while group B received intramuscular oxytocin 10iu with 10mls of sterile water and served as the control group. The primary outcome measure was the difference in admission and postpartum hemoglobin concentration (Hemoglobin change). Result: During the study period, 80 parturients that were recruited, completed the study. The characteristics of the parturients in the two groups had no significant statistical difference in their demographic characteristics and admission parameters (P>0.05). The mean postpartum hemoglobin concentration was significantly higher in the tranexamic acid plus oxytocin group compared to placebo plus oxytocin group (10.28+ 0.59ml) versus (9.44+0.62ml) p<0.005. There was no major maternal side effect in both groups. Conclusion: When compared with placebo plus oxytocin, tranexamic acid plus oxytocin was more effective in reducing postpartum hemoglobin drop after vaginal delivery. Tranexamic acid plus oxytocin is therefore recommended to be part of the active management of the third stage of labor.

Oxytocin: A Shield against Radiation-Induced Lung Injury in Rats.

Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), a serious side effect of thoracic radiotherapy, can lead to acute radiation pneumonitis (RP) and chronic pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Despite various interventions, no effective protocol exists to prevent pneumonitis. Oxytocin (OT), known for its anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant properties, has not been explored for its potential in mitigating RILI. This study involved 24 female Wistar albino rats, divided into three groups: control group, radiation (RAD) + saline, and RAD + OT. The RAD groups received 18 Gy of whole-thorax irradiation. The RAD + OT group was treated with OT (0.1 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally for 16 weeks. Computerizing tomography (CT) imaging and histopathological, biochemical, and blood gas analyses were performed to assess lung tissue damage and inflammation. Histopathological examination showed significant reduction in alveolar wall thickening, inflammation, and vascular changes in the RAD + OT group compared to the RAD + saline group. Biochemical analysis revealed decreased levels of TGF-beta, VEGF, and PDGF, and increased BMP-7 and prostacyclin in the RAD + oxytocin group (p < 0.05). Morphometric analysis indicated significant reductions in fibrosis, edema, and immune cell infiltration. CT imaging demonstrated near-normal lung parenchyma density in the RAD + oxytocin group (p < 0.001). Oxytocin administration significantly mitigates radiation-induced pneumonitis in rats, implying that is has potential as a therapeutic agent for preventing and treating RILI.

Comparative hemodynamic effects of carbetocin vs oxytocin in mothers with stenotic valvular heart disease undergoing cesarean delivery: a randomized controlled trial

Background &amp; objective: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is quite common an obstetric emergency, and is a nightmare for the anesthesiologist as well as the obstetrician. We compared the hemodynamic profiles of oxytocin and carbetocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage during elective cesarean delivery in patients with mild to moderate mitral or aortic stenosis. Methodology: This randomized controlled trial included full term pregnant women with known mild to moderate mitral or aortic valve stenosis and undergoing elective cesarean delivery. After delivery of the shoulder of the baby, the participant received either oxytocin or carbetocin. Patients’ hemodynamic parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output, and systemic vascular resistance, were recorded. The primary outcome was the 5-min average cardiac output after the drug administration. Secondary outcomes were cardiac output, systolic blood pressure, heart rate and systemic vascular resistance, blood loss, and the need for rescue uterotonics. Results: Forty-five patients (23 patients in the carbetocin group and 22 in the oxytocin group) were analyzed. The 5-min average cardiac output after drug injection was comparable between the two groups. The number of participants needing rescue uterotonic boluses were significantly more in the oxytocin group than in the carbetocin group (P = 0.022). Conclusion: In full-term pregnant women with stenotic valvular pathologies, carbetocin showed superior uterotonic effect compared to oxytocin; however, both drugs resulted in the equivalent hemodynamic effects. Trial registration: Clinical trial registration with clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT05110482 Keywords: oxytocin; carbetocin; mitral stenosis; aortic stenosis; cesarean delivery; hemodynamics Citation: Refaat S, Amin S, Tarek H, El Regal EA, Eissa AA, Zayed M, Ibrahim M. Comparative hemodynamic effects of carbetocin vs oxytocin in mothers with stenotic valvular heart disease undergoing cesarean delivery: a randomized controlled trial. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2024;28(4):681−686; DOI: 10.35975/apic.v28i4.2369 Received: January 03, 2024; Reviewed: May 05, 2024; Accepted: June 11, 2024

Outcomes of oxytocin treatment on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Ischemia-reperfusion injury is a clinical condition that poses life-threatening risks and can be caused by diseases or operations such as trauma, shock, and gastric dilatation volvulus. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of oxytocin on intestinal damage in rats induced by experimental ischemia-reperfusion injury. Three groups of Wistar albino rats were established: a control group (CTR, n=6), an intestinal ischemia-reperfusion group (I-IR, n=6), and an intestinal ischemia-reperfusion with oxytocin group (I-IR+Oxt, n=6). The I-IR+Oxt group received an intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg oxytocin 30 minutes before anesthesia. In the I-IR and I-IR+Oxt groups, the superior mesenteric artery was ligated for 1 hour to induce ischemia-reperfusion injury, followed by one hour of reperfusion by opening the ligatures. At the end of the reperfusion period, the rats were euthanized, and blood and intestinal tissue samples were collected. From the blood samples, ALT, ALP, AST, LDH, BUN, creatinine, IL-1β, and TNF-α concentrations were evaluated. Tissue samples were analyzed for IL-1β, TNF-α, and MDA activity. Serum and tissue IL-1β and TNF-α concentrations were higher in both the I-IR and I-IR+Oxt groups compared to the CTR group. However, these levels were found to be lower in the I-IR+Oxt group compared to the I-IR group. The histopathological analysis showed that the I-IR+Oxt group had better epithelial regeneration and less inflammatory cell infiltration compared to the I-I/R group. In conclusion, oxytocin inhibited the release of IL-1β and TNF-α and the harmful effect of I/R on intestinal cells.

Carbetocin versus oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage during caesarean section in patients at high risk of bleeding

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of carbetocin versus oxytocin in preventing postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in women with risk factors for PPH who were delived by caesarean section. MethodsThis retrospective, monocentric, before-and-after cohort study assessed patients with haemorrhagic risk factors who underwent caesarean section after 24 weeks of gestation and who had haemorrhagic risk factors between August 2014 to December 2019. ResultsThis study enrolled 518 patients, including 250 in the oxytocin group and 268 in the carbetocin group. The use of carbetocin was independently associated with a PPH decrease compared to oxytocin use (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 0.52; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.35–0.79; p = 0.002). Carbetocin use was associated with a reduction in the need for therapy escalation (6 % vs 10.8 %; p = 0.046). ConclusionCarbetocin was more effective than oxytocin in preventing PPH after caesarean section in high-risk patients.

Comparison of Carbetocin and Oxytocin Efficacy in Preventing Postpartum Hemorrhage after C-Section

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is defined as a blood loss of more than 0.5 liters within 24 hours of birth, and a blood loss of more than 1 liter is considered a significant PPH. In low- and middle-income countries, PPH is a major factor causing maternal morbidity and mortality, whereas in high-income countries, the mortality is comparatively lower, but still PPH poses a major risk for postpregnancy complications. Uterine atony is the most frequent cause of the PPH, and it accounts for up to 80% of PPH cases. Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the prophylactic effects of oxytocin and carbetocin in preventing atonic PPH in individuals receiving recurrent elective CS under spinal anesthesia. Materials and Methods: A computerized, randomized, cross-sectional prospective comparative study was conducted on 100 pregnant women at Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation for the time period of an year, from October 2020 to October 2021. Inclusion Criteria: This study includes patients with singleton pregnancy, gestational age &gt;38 weeks, spinal anesthesia and repeated C.S with cephalic, breech, or any malpresentations. Exclusion Criteria: Patients with placenta previa and placental abruption, uterine myomata, congenital uterine anomalies, gestational age before 38 weeks, women having emergency cesarean section for fetal or maternal distress, and patients with hepatic or pre-existing bleeding disorder were excluded from the study. The patients included based on the above criteria were split into two equal groups. Group I received carbetocin as a single dose of 100 microgram slow intravenous, and Group II received oxytocin as 5 IU intravenous drip followed by 20 IU of oxytocin infusion on 500 ml saline or lactated ringer with a rate of 150 ml per hour. Results: When compared to the oxytocin group, the blood loss was considerably reduced in the carbetocin group. The levels of Hb and hematocrit [HCT] were evaluated pre- and postoperative in both the groups. The levels of preoperative Hb and HCT showed nonsignificant difference between the two groups, while the levels of postoperative Hb and HCT were significantly higher in carbetocin group than oxytocin group concluding that carbetocin showed the better results in controlling the blood loss and maintaining the levels of Hb and HCT volume and the carbetocin group showed less need for administration of uterotonic agents (20%) in comparison with (32%) in oxytocin group but with no statistically significant difference. Only 8 (16%) patients showed PPH in carbetocin treatment, whereas 14 (28%) showed PPH in patients on oxytocin treatment.

Intramyometrial and intravenous oxytocin compared to intravenous carbetocin for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in elective cesarean section-A quasi-randomized controlled phase IV non-inferiority interventional trial.

Our objective was to assess non-inferiority of the unique approach used in our institution of combined 10 IU IM (intramyometrial) and 10 IU IV (intravenous) oxytocin to carbetocin IV in preventing severe postpartum blood loss in elective cesarean sections. The design was a prospective controlled phase IV non-inferiority interventional trial. The setting was a tertiary center at University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland. The population consisted of 550 women undergoing elective cesarean section after 36 completed weeks of gestation at low risk for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Participants were assigned to either combined oxytocin regimen (10 IU IM and 10 IU IV) or carbetocin (100 μg IV). Non-inferiority for oxytocin for severe PPH was assessed with a 0.05 margin using the Newcombe-Wilson score method. The main outcome measures were severe postpartum blood loss defined as delta hemoglobin (∆Hb, Hb prepartum-Hb postpartum) ≥30 g/L. Non-inferiority of combined oxytocin (IM/IV) in preventing severe postpartum blood loss was not shown (17 women in the oxytocin group vs. 7 in the carbetocin group). The number needed to treat when using carbetocin was 28. The risk difference for ∆Hb ≥30 g/L was 0.04 (oxytocin 0.06 vs. 0.03), 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.00-0.08). No significant difference was observed for ∆Hb (median 12 [IQR 7.0-19.0] vs. 11 [5.0-17.0], p = 0.07), estimated blood loss (median 500 [IQR 400-600] vs. 500 [400-575], p = 0.38), or the PPH rate defined as estimated blood loss ≥1000 mL (12[4.5] vs. 5 [2.0], risk difference 0.03, 95% CI (-0.01 to 0.06), p = 0.16). More additional uterotonics were administered in the oxytocin group compared to the carbetocin group (15.2% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.001). Total case costs were non-significantly different in the oxytocin group (US $ 10 146 vs. 9621, mean difference 471.4, CI (-476.5 to 1419.3), p = 0.33). Combined (IM/IV) oxytocin is not non-inferior to carbetocin regarding severe postpartum blood loss defined as postpartum Hb decrease ≥30 g/L in elective cesarean sections. We recommend carbetocin for use in clinical practice for elective cesarean sections.

Oxytocin vs oral misoprostol for PROM induction in nulliparas with unfavorable cervix: a randomized trial

BackgroundInduction of labor (IOL) is recommended following prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM). The optimal method for IOL and need for cervical ripening in those with PROM and an unfavorable cervical examination is unclear. ObjectiveTo determine if oxytocin or oral misoprostol results in a shorter time to delivery among nulliparous patients with an unfavorable cervical examination and PROM diagnosis and to evaluate patient satisfaction with both methods. Study DesignThis is a randomized clinical trial conducted at an urban tertiary care center from 2019 to 2023. Subjects were nulliparas ≥36 weeks with an unfavorable starting cervical exam (≤2 cm and Bishop <8). The primary outcome was time from IOL to delivery in hours compared between oxytocin vs oral misoprostol. Secondary outcomes included suspected intraamniotic infection, cesarean delivery, composite maternal and neonatal morbidity, and patient satisfaction (assessed by Birth Satisfaction Scale-Revised). Sub-group analyses for those with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 and cervical dilation ≥1 cm were performed. We required 148 subjects to have 80% power to detect a 2-hour difference in time to delivery. The study was stopped early by the data safety monitoring board due to feasibility concerns in recruiting desired sample size. ResultsA total of 108 subjects were randomized: 56 oxytocin; 52 oral miso. The median gestational age at induction was 39.5 weeks; the mean starting cervical dilation was 1.1 cm. There was no statistical difference in time to delivery between groups overall: 14.9 hours oxytocin vs 18.1 hours oral misoprostol (P=.06). In sub-group analyses, there was a 5 hours shorter time to delivery with oxytocin for those with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (16.6 hours oxytocin vs 21.8 hours oral misoprostol, P .04) and 4.5 hours shorter time to delivery with oxytocin for those with cervix ≥1 cm (12.9 hours oxytocin vs 17.3 hours oral misoprostol, P .04). There were no differences in intraamniotic infection, cesarean delivery, maternal or neonatal morbidity between the groups. Patient satisfaction was higher for those receiving oxytocin compared to misoprostol (29.0 vs 26.3, P=.03). ConclusionAmong nulliparas with PROM and an unfavorable cervix, there was no difference in overall time to delivery between oxytocin and oral misoprostol. This result should be interpreted with caution given early study discontinuation and inadequate power. However, a shorter time to delivery with oxytocin was noted in obese patients and those with cervical dilation of at least 1 cm. Furthermore, patient satisfaction was higher in the oxytocin group, and there was no increased risk of neonatal or maternal morbidity with oxytocin.

Oral Oxytocin Blurs Sex Differences in Amygdala Responses to Emotional Scenes

BackgroundSex differences are shaped both by innate biological differences and the social environment and are frequently observed in human emotional neural responses. Oral administration of oxytocin (OXT), as an alternative and noninvasive intake method, has been shown to produce sex-dependent effects on emotional face processing. However, it is unclear whether oral OXT produces similar sex-dependent effects on processing continuous emotional scenes. MethodsThe current randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled neuropsychopharmacological functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment was conducted in 147 healthy participants (OXT = 74, men/women = 37/37; placebo = 73, men/women = 36/37) to examine the oral OXT effect on plasma OXT concentrations and neural response to emotional scenes in both sexes. ResultsAt the neuroendocrine level, women showed lower endogenous OXT concentrations than men, but oral OXT increased OXT concentrations equally in both sexes. Regarding neural activity, emotional scenes evoked opposite valence-independent effects on right amygdala activation (women > men) and its functional connectivity with the insula (men > women) in men and women in the placebo group. This sex difference was either attenuated (amygdala response) or even completely eliminated (amygdala-insula functional connectivity) in the OXT group. Multivariate pattern analysis confirmed these findings by developing an accurate sex-predictive neural pattern that included the amygdala and the insula under the placebo but not the OXT condition. ConclusionsThe results of the current study suggest a pronounced sex difference in neural responses to emotional scenes that was eliminated by oral OXT, with OXT having opposite modulatory effects in men and women. This may reflect oral OXT enhancing emotional regulation to continuous emotional stimuli in both sexes by facilitating appropriate changes in sex-specific amygdala-insula circuitry.

Tranexamic acid versus oxytocin prophylaxis in reducing post-partum blood loss, in low-risk pregnant women: TRANOXY STUDY, a phase III randomized clinical trial

To assess the equivalence of tranexamic acid (TRAN) versus synthetic oxytocin (OXY) in reducing post-partum blood loss, in full-term patients (37-42 weeks), at low risk of post-partum hemorrhage, with vaginal childbirth. Phase III, randomized (1:1), open-label, longitudinal, multi-center, prospective clinical trial (Prot. n 63209, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02775773). From January 7, 2020, to June 30, 2023, a total of 256 women were enrolled at two general urban community hospitals in Italy, serving a multi-ethnic patient population with National Health Insurance. The primary outcome was to explore a potential equivalence between the two treatments (OXY and TRAN) in preventing total blood loss. Therefore, we randomized 231 women into two groups: Group A (OXY), 127 women who were administered 10UI intramuscularly within 5min from childbirth; Group B (TRAN), 104 women to whom 1-g slow intravenous infusion was administered within 5min from childbirth. At the time of delivery, mean blood loss for OXY group versus TRAN group was 269.12mL versus 263.88mL, respectively, with equivalence between the two groups. Similarly, there was equivalence in total blood loss between the OXY and the TRAN group (397.66mL versus 405.64mL, respectively. No statistical differences between Hb levels at admission and discharge in the two groups were reported. No difference was found in terms of additional uterotonic and surgical therapies between the two groups of patients. Neither group showed thrombotic complications at check-up performed after 7 days or after a questionnaire regarding adverse effects, subjected after 40 days. The study shows the equivalence of tranexamic acid versus synthetic oxytocin in post-partum blood loss prophylaxis in term patients at low risk of PPH with vaginal childbirth. The safety profiles of OXY and TRAN were similar. None.

A randomized controlled study comparing oral misoprostol with intramuscular oxytocin in active management of third stage of labour.

The study aimed to compare the effectiveness and side effects of 600 μg of oral Misoprostol with 10 international units (IU) intramuscular oxytocin in managing the third stage of labor. This open-label, randomized controlled trial included 260 low-risk women in the second stage of labor with anticipated vaginal delivery. They were randomly assigned, to receive either 600 μg of misoprostol orally or 10 IU of oxytocin intramuscularly. The primary outcomes were blood loss during delivery and incidence of postpartum hemorrhage, evaluated using intention-to-treat analysis. Significance was set at P≤0.05. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups (P>0.05). The misoprostol group had a significantly lower blood loss than that of the oxytocin group (306.57±176.44 mL vs. 349.37±135.50 mL; relative difference, -12.251 [95% confidence intervals [CI], -22.528 to -1.575]; P=0.012). Incidence of postpartum hemorrhage was similar in both the groups (relative risk [RR], 0.952 [95% CI, 0.543 to 0.671]; P=0.865). Additional oxytocic therapy requirement was also comparable (RR, 1.143 [95% CI, 0.671 to 1.947]; P=0.623). Nausea, shivering, and mean increase in temperature were significantly more common in the misoprostol group than in the oxytocin-parturient group. In this study, 600 μg oral misoprostol was superior to intramuscular 10 IU oxytocin in reducing blood loss at birth, and equally effective in preventing postpartum hemorrhage. However, misoprostol exhibited more side effects compared to that of oxytocin.

Inhibitory Effect and Mechanism upon Glucose-Insulin-Potassium Administration on Postpartum Mice with Uterine Cramping Pain

This study aimed to explore the effect of glucose-insulin-potassium (GIK) on postpartum uterine cramping pain(UCP) in mice and the possible underlying mechanisms. Thirty full-term pregnancy C57BL/6 mice, within 6 h after spontaneous labor, the mice were randomly assigned into the following three groups: the control group (group C), the oxytocin group (group O), and the GIK plus oxytocin group (group G). Group G and group O were administered GIK and normal saline, respectively, and 10 min later, oxytocin was injected intraperitoneally; group C received normal saline twice. The pain scores of the mice were assessed after establishment of the postpartum UCP model. The differential expressions of energy metabolism and oxidized lipid metabolites in the uterus were analyzed. The behavioral scores in group G were significantly lower than those in group O (P < 0.05).When compared to group O, group G showed a significant increase in ATP levels (P = 0.046), and group G exhibited elevated levels of amino acids, including L-glutamine, L-aspartic acid, and ornithine. Additionally, phosphate compounds (2-phosphoglyceric acid and 3-phosphoglyceric acid) showed elevated levels. When compared to group O, group G exhibited a decrease in 19R-hydroxy PGF2α, an increase in 9,10-EpOME and 12,13-EpOME, and a decrease in trans-EKODE-E-Ib. Additionally, group G showed an elevation in 16,17-EpDPE and 8-HDoHE. This study confirms the analgesic effect of GIK during postpartum oxytocin infusion. Metabolomics and glycolysis product analysis suggest that GIK’s alleviation of UCP is associated with its enhancement of glycolysis and the influence of phenylalanine synthesis, aspartate metabolism, and arginine synthesis pathways. Additionally, the effects of GIK appears to be linked to its influence on the linoleic acid metabolic pathway.

Oral misoprostol alone, compared with oral misoprostol followed by oxytocin, in women induced for hypertension of pregnancy: A multicentre randomised trial.

To assess whether, in those requiring continuing uterine stimulation after cervical ripening with oral misoprostol and membrane rupture, augmentation with low-dose oral misoprostol is superior to intravenous oxytocin. Open-label, superiority randomised trial. Government hospitals in India. Women who were induced for hypertensive disease in pregnancy and had undergone cervical ripening with oral misoprostol, but required continuing stimulation after artificial membrane rupture. Participants received misoprostol (25 micrograms, orally, 2-hourly) or titrated oxytocin through an infusion pump. All women had one-to-one care; fetal monitoring was conducted using a mixture of intermittent and continuous electronic fetal monitoring. Caesarean birth. A total of 520 women were randomised and the baseline characteristics were comparable between the groups. The caesarean section rate was not reduced with the use of misoprostol (misoprostol, 84/260, 32.3%, vs oxytocin, 71/260, 27.3%; aOR 1.23; 95% CI 0.81-1.85; P = 0.33). The interval from randomisation to birth was somewhat longer with misoprostol (225 min, 207-244 min, vs 194 min, 179-210 min; aOR 1.137; 95% CI 1.023-1.264; P = 0.017). There were no cases of hyperstimulation in either arm. The rates of fetal heart rate abnormalities and maternal side effects were similar. Fewer babies in the misoprostol arm were admitted to the special care unit (10 vs 21 in the oxytocin group; aOR 0.463; 95% CI 0.203-1.058; P = 0.068) and there were no neonatal deaths in the misoprostol group, compared with three neonatal deaths in the oxytocin arm. Women's acceptability ratings were high in both study groups. Following cervical preparation with oral misoprostol and membrane rupture, the use of continuing oral misoprostol for augmentation did not significantly reduce caesarean rates, compared with the use of oxytocin. There were no hyperstimulation or significant adverse events in either arm of the trial.

Oxytocin Compared With Prostaglandin as First Agent in Prelabor Rupture of Membranes [ID 2683446

INTRODUCTION: Prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) occurs in 8% of term deliveries. After PROM, induction of labor (IOL) is recommended to decrease risk of intra-amniotic infection and time to delivery. Therefore, finding the safest, most effective way to induce labor in this patient population is important to clinical practice. METHODS: The goal of this investigation is to compare rate of vaginal delivery among patients receiving oxytocin versus prostaglandin as a first-line agent for IOL after PROM. Secondary outcomes include time to vaginal delivery, parity, and cervical dilation. This study involves a secondary analysis of an IRB-approved retrospective chart review investigating cervical ripening in all patients who delivered from 2020 to 2021 at our institution. RESULTS: A total of 365 patients presented with term PROM during the study period. The sample was primarily nulliparous (61.8%) with mean gestational age of 39.1 weeks. More patients in the oxytocin group than the prostaglandin group delivered vaginally (86.2% versus 82%). Patients treated with oxytocin as first agent were found to have faster time to any delivery than prostaglandin as first agent (median 14.9 versus 25.7 hours; P&lt;.001). This result was regardless of parity or whether a cervical exam was documented at time of presentation. CONCLUSION: In our study population, patients induced with oxytocin had a faster time to vaginal delivery without affecting risk of cesarean, regardless of nulliparity status or cervical dilation at time of presentation, supporting a more standard use of oxytocin as a first-line for term PROM IOL.

Comparison of the Adjunctive Effect of Tranexamic Acid and Infusion Oxytocin on Blood Loss at Caesarean Section - A Randomised Study

Background: Postpartum haemorrhage is a major complication at caesarean section. Tranexamic acid and oxytocin infusion have been used for prophylaxis. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of prophylactic adjunctive use of Tranexamic acid and oxytocin infusion at caesarean section to reduce blood loss. Method: A randomised study at ABUTH, Zaria, in which 144 women, scheduled for elective or emergency caesarean section at term, were sequentially randomised into two groups of 72 each. The Tranexamic acid group received 1g intravenous and 500ml of Normal saline as placebo while the oxytocin group received placebo and 500ml of Normal saline containing 20IU of oxytocin after delivery of the neonate. Both adjunctive groups received 10IU Oxytocin as part of AMTSL. Trial registry: PACTR 202004568331645. Ethical approval: ABUTHZ/HREC/D37/2018. Result: There was no significant difference in parity, gestational age and indication for caesarean section in both groups p&lt;0.287, 0.270 and 0.095 respectively. There was no significant difference in primary outcome with mean blood loss 561.06 ± 209.23ml versus 567.78 ± 205.91ml in the Tranexamic acid and oxytocin group respectively, p&lt;0.847. Need for additional uterotonic agent and side effect profile were significantly reduced in the Tranexamic acid group. There was no significant difference in need for blood transfusion and haemodynamic status of parturient in both groups. There was no significant difference in mean blood loss at emergency versus elective caeserean section, 565.83± 205.51ml versus 567.97± 217.42ml respectively, p&lt;0.921.Blood loss in those with 1 previous CS was comparable in both groups 537.75± 209.69ml versus 522.05± 176.43ml respectively, p&lt;0.374, however, for those with 2 or more CS, while there was a clinical (reduction) difference of 80ml in the Tranexamic acid group, it was not statistically significant. 594.55± 0.91ml versus 674.06± 1.99ml respectively, p&lt;0.476. Conclusion: There is comparative adjunctive efficacy of Tranexamic acid and oxytocin infusion at caesarean section. Keywords: Caesarean delivery, Oxytocin infusion, Tranexamic acid, Postpartum haemorrhage

Comparative study of second-line labor induction methods in patients with unfavorable cervix after first-line low-dose oral misoprostol.

The present study aimed to evaluate low-dose oral misoprostol induction, and compare different methods used in second-line induction in patients with a Bishop score less than 6. This retrospective study analyzed the medical history and courses of pregnancy of all patients induced with first-line of low-dose oral misoprostol (50 μg every 4 h with a total of 200 μg/24 h) from April 2021 to June 2022 in a university hospital center, and reported outcomes according to the second-line method of induction. Among 437 labor inductions with low-dose oral misoprostol, 120 patients required a second-line induction. Predictive factors of first-line failure were higher body mass index (P = 0.011), absence of premature rupture of membranes (P = 0.021) and earlier term of pregnancy (P < 0.001). Regarding second methods of induction of labor, time from induction to delivery was shorter in the oxytocin group than the dinoprostone and misoprostol groups (24.0 vs. 41 and 51.0 h, respectively; P < 0.001), and was also significantly shorter in the dinoprostone than the misoprostol group (P = 0.048). Cesarean section rates did not differ between the three groups (P = 0.651). There were no clinically significant differences in adverse events between the groups. Normal body mass index, previous rupture of membranes and later term of induction of labor were the three favoring success factors during first-line oral misoprostol. In cases of a Bishop score <6, oxytocin may be the best option to reduce duration to delivery, with the same maternal-fetal outcomes, including a similar rate of vaginal delivery.

Comparison of Intratympanic Oxytocin and Dexamethasone in Cisplatin Ototoxicity: An Experimental Study.

Although it is widely used, there is still no valid treatment for ototoxicity caused by the antineoplastic drug cisplatin. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of intratympanic resveratrol and intratympanic dexamethasone treatment in cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. We also compared intratympanic atosiban (oxytocin antagonist) and oxytocin in cisplatin ototoxicity. In this study, 30 rats (60 ears) were used by separating into 5 groups. Cisplatin, oxytocin, dexamethasone, atosiban and 0.9% NaCl were administered intraperitoneally to all groups separately. Auditory Brainstem Response and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission tests were performed on all groups before and 72h after the procedure. Pre-treatment values were higher than post-treatment values in all groups (p < 0.001). There was no significant prolongation of the post-treatment Auditory Brainstem Response I-IV interval in the oxytocin and dexamethasone groups (p > 0.05). There was no significant decrease in the frequencies of 2832 and 4004 after treatment in the oxytocin and dexamethasone group compared to pre-treatment in Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission. As a result, it has been shown that intratympanic oxytocin may be an option that can be used in the treatment, although it is not as effective as dexamethasone in preventing cisplatin ototoxicity.

Intranasal Oxytocin for Obesity

BackgroundAccumulating preclinical and preliminary translational evidence shows that the hypothalamic peptide oxytocin reduces food intake, increases energy expenditure, and promotes weight loss. It is currently unknown whether oxytocin administration is effective in treating human obesity.MethodsIn this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned adults with obesity 1:1 (stratified by sex and obesity class) to receive intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) or placebo four times daily for 8 weeks. The primary end point was change in body weight (kg) from baseline to week 8. Key secondary end points included change in body composition (total fat mass [g], abdominal visceral adipose tissue [cm2], and liver fat fraction [proportion; range, 0 to 1; higher values indicate a higher proportion of fat]), and resting energy expenditure (kcal/day; adjusted for lean mass) from baseline to week 8 and caloric intake (kcal) at an experimental test meal from baseline to week 6.ResultsSixty-one participants (54% women; mean age ± standard deviation, 33.6 ± 6.2 years; body-mass index [the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters], 36.9 ± 4.9) were randomly assigned. There was no difference in body weight change from baseline to week 8 between oxytocin and placebo groups (0.20 vs. 0.26 kg; P=0.934). Oxytocin (vs. placebo) was not associated with beneficial effects on body composition or resting energy expenditure from baseline to week 8 (total fat: difference [95% confidence interval], 196.0 g [−1036 to 1428]; visceral fat: 3.1 cm2 [−11.0 to 17.2]; liver fat: −0.01 [−0.03 to 0.01]; resting energy expenditure: −64.0 kcal/day [−129.3 to 1.4]). Oxytocin compared with placebo was associated with reduced caloric intake at the test meal (−31.4 vs. 120.6 kcal; difference [95% confidence interval], −152.0 kcal [−302.3 to −1.7]). There were no serious adverse events. Incidence and severity of adverse events did not differ between groups.ConclusionsIn this randomized, placebo-controlled trial in adults with obesity, intranasal oxytocin administered four times daily for 8 weeks did not reduce body weight. (Funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03043053.)

A phase II randomised controlled trial of intranasal oxytocin in anorexia nervosa

BackgroundAnorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder (ED) with high mortality rates and limited response to existing treatments, prompting the need to identify effective agents and adjuncts. There is evidence for an emerging role for the neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) in the pathophysiology of AN, with studies showing a perturbed oxytocinergic system in patients with AN. Preliminary evidence has demonstrated that intranasal OT (IN-OT) can produce anxiolytic effects in AN, as well as reducing concern about eating, and dysfunctional attentional biases related to the disorder. IN-OT is a non-invasive treatment option for AN that requires investigation as an adjunct to nutritional rehabilitation. MethodsThis multi-site study (Trial Registration:ACTRN1261000897460) sought to replicate and extend a previous randomised placebo-controlled pilot trial of repeated dose IN-OT in patients with AN hospitalised for nutritional rehabilitation. Patients with AN (N=61) received daily IN-OT (18 IU twice per day) or placebo for four weeks, whilst undergoing inpatient hospital treatment. Outcome measures included ED psychopathology (primary) as measured by the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) and Body Mass Index (BMI; secondary). Participants were assessed pre- and post-treatment, and at six months following the intervention. The effects of the first and last doses of IN-OT on responses (anxiety ratings and salivary cortisol) to a high-energy snack were also examined. ResultsSixty-one female inpatients (Mage=24.36,SD=7.87) with an average BMI of 16.24 (range: 11.43–18.55), were recruited into the study. No significant differences were found between placebo and OT groups at any of the time points on the outcomes of interest, but significant improvements in almost all psychological parameters in both groups were evident over time. IN-OT did not significantly reduce anxiety nor salivary cortisol in response to a high-calorie snack. ConclusionThis is the largest randomised placebo-controlled trial of repeated dose intranasal OT in people with AN, during refeeding. The therapeutically promising findings of the pilot study were not replicated. Limitations and reasons for the non-replication included relatively large variance, baseline psychopathology scores being higher in this patient group, potential ceiling effects in BMI and ED psychopathology as well as differing comorbidities.