Objective: This is a single blinded, randomized controlled trial on women with singleton term pregnancy delivered by cesarean section to compare the efficacy of a single intravenous injection of carbetocin with a standard d 8-hour intravenous infusion of oxytocin. Methods: The trial was conducted in the delivery unit of a tertiary hospital from January 1, 2011 to June 30, 2011. Sixty two patients were randomized to receive either a single injection of carbetocin or an 8-hour infusion of oxytocin. Outcome measures were intraoperative blood loss, uterine tonicity and need for uterotonics. Results: The mean estimated blood loss with carbetocin was significantly less with a P value of < 0.01 (483.87 ml). Intravenous injection of 100mcg of carbetocin-produced tetanic uterine contractions within 3 minutes, lasting for about 5 minutes, followed by rhythmic contractions for a futher 50 ± 20 minutes. Need for uterotonic intervention was clinically indicated in two (6.45%) of the women given IV carbetocin compared to 12 (38.71%) of the women given IV oxytocin infusion. Adverse effects of the treatments .were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: Carbetocin was superior to oxytocin in the outcome parameters measured. Estimated blood loss and the need for additional uterotonic agents were lower in the carbetocin group. Uterine tone and early involution of the uterus is likewise better in the carbetocin group.
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