Oxytocin at Elective Cesarean Deliveries: A Dose-finding Study in Women With Twin Pregnancy
Status:
Recruiting
Trial end date:
2021-12-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to uterine atony is a major cause of maternal morbidity and
mortality. Uterotonic drugs are used to improve the muscle tone of the uterus after birth and
these are effective at reducing the incidence of PPH. Large doses of this drug are associated
with adverse effects like lower blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, abnormal heart rhythms and
changes on ECG. Various international bodies recommend varying and high doses of oxytocin in
elective cesarean sections. A study performed at Mount Sinai Hospital showed that a much
smaller doses of oxytocin is required (ED95 being 0.35IU). Women who had twins were excluded
from this study. It is known that women with a twin pregnancy have a higher risk of poor tone
and postpartum hemorrhage.
The investigators seek to find the best dose of oxytocin for the patients with a twin
pregnancy. A higher dose may be needed to contract the uterus adequately.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital