Comapring a lower dose of carbetocin to the standard dose of carbetocin in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage during elective cesarean delivery: A randomised parallel group trial

Abstract

Background: Prophylactic use of uterotonic is a universal practice in vaginal and cesarean delivery. Heat stable carbetocin is a relatively new uterotonic. Lower doses of uterotonics are as effective as standard doses in elective cesarean deliveries. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of 50 mcg carbetocin (lower dose) to 100mcg carbetocin (standard dose) for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage during elective cesarean delivery. Materials and Methods: A total of 212 term pregnant women were randomized to two group. Group I received 50 mcg of carbetocin and Group II received 100 mcg of carbetocin. The blood loss, tone of the uterus, use of additional uterotonics or styptics, requirement of blood transfusions and adverse effects of the drug in both the groups were compared. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in both the groups with respect to blood loss, uterine tone, blood transfusions or additional use of uterotonics or styptics.(p>0.05). Conclusion: A lower dose of 50 mcg is as effective as the standard dose of 100 mcg of carbetocin in elective caesarean delivery in preventing post-partum hemorrhage.