Comparison of the effect of carbetocin versus oxytocin during cesarean section in women with high risk of postpartum hemorrhage

ObjectivesTo compare the hemodynamic effects of oxytocin and carbetocin and to assess the efficacy of these two drugs in terms of blood loss and the additional uterotonic needed in cesarean section in women with high risk of primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).BackgroundPrevention of PPH is a major issue owing to its effect on maternal morbidity and mortality. Although oxytocin is the most widely accepted uterotonic agent, carbetocin can be given as an intravenous bolus instead of continuous oxytocin infusion.Patients and methodsThis is a prospective, randomized controlled study conducted from March 2016 and October 2017 within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Menoufia University Hospitals. The study included 100 pregnant women with high risk of PPH; women were divided randomly into group A, which received oxytocin infusion of 20 international units, and group B, which received 100 μg carbetocin as an intravenous bolus.ResultsRegarding the hemodynamic effects, there was a significant lower reduction in blood pressure within the oxytocin group. Significantly more women needed additional uterotonic agents in the oxytocin group. Uterine fundal level was significantly below 2 cm from the umbilical point in carbetocin group. The mean cost in oxytocin group is lower with a highly significant difference.ConclusionSingle injection of carbetocin has more safe hemodynamic profile and less need of uterotonics, but the introduction of oxytocin appears to provide improved clinical outcomes along with cost savings.