The Use of High Concentration Oxytocin Intravenous Drips in the Management of Missed Abortion

18 cases of missed abortion occurring during or after the 12th week of gestation in Professor Kellar's Unit of the Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion during the past 3 years were managed using intravenous high concentration oxytocin drips. Estimated duration of fetal death ranged from 3 to 14 weeks. A summary of the results of analysis is presented in Table 1. Delivery was achieved in the last 13 cases (except 2) within 24 hours of treatment. Of the 2 exceptions, 1 patient in whom the fetus had been dead for the longest time (14 weeks) took 31 1/4 hours to pass the fetus; the other patient took 21 1/4 hours to pass the fetus but as the placenta failed to follow, another drip was administered 11 hours later. The placenta was passed 50 minutes later. Surgical evacuation of the uterus was performed in 7 patients to complete the abortion process. No evidence of failure of clotting mechanism after delivery was observed, nor was the possibility of toxic substances being introduced into the maternal circulation from the placenta seen. It was concluded that the use of oxytocin drips is a reliable, rapid and safe method of managing missed abortion.