Carbetocin versus oxytocin in the management of atonic post partum haemorrhage (PPH) after vaginal delivery: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of carbetocin vs. oxytocin in the management of atonic post partum haemorrhage (PPH) after vaginal delivery.

METHODS: A prospective randomised study was conducted in which 100 pregnant women were randomised into 2 equal groups: group 1 received Carbetocin 100 µgm (Pabal(®) Ferring, UK) and group 2 received oxytocin 5 IU (Syntocinon(®), Novartis, Switzerland).

RESULTS: The amount of blood loss and the need for other uterotonics were significantly lower in the carbetocin group (811 ± 389.17 vs. 1010 ± 525.66 and 10/50 vs. 21/50). There was no significant difference between the carbetocin and oxytocin groups regarding occurrence of major PPH (6 vs. 11), the need for blood transfusion (6 vs. 9), the difference between blood haemoglobin levels before delivery and 24 h after delivery (0.6 ± 0.28 vs. 0.56 ± 0.25), respectively. There was no significant difference between the 2 study groups regarding both systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured immediately after the drug administration and at 30 and 60 min later. Regarding the drugs side effects, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the occurrence of nausea, vomiting, tachycardia, flushing, dizziness, headache, shivering, metallic taste, dyspnea, palpitations and itching.

CONCLUSIONS: Carbetocin is a better alternative to oxytocin in management of atonic PPH with non-significant hemodynamic changes or side effects .