Lalmohan Nayak1, Kumudini Pradhan2, Satyjeet Mishra3
BACKGROUND
Lower segment caesarean section is a common surgical procedure. Postpartum haemorrhage incidence after LSCS is 4%. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analogue with good uterotonic properties, easy availability, low cost, thermostability, long shelf life, easy administration and few adverse effects at therapeutic dose. It is readily absorbed by oral, sublingual, buccal, vaginal or rectal route. Sublingual route attains quickest concentration. Dose of 400 mcg was chosen in this study to minimise adverse effects with optimal therapeutic benefit.
The aim of the study is to determine the efficacy of sublingual misoprostol in reducing caesarean blood loss.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
It is a prospective experimental study done in VSSIMSAR, Burla. Women undergoing LSCS were randomly assigned to study and control groups of equal strength of 100 each. In all cases, preoperative Hb%, haematocrit, pulse, BP was noted. Study group were given 400 mcg misoprostol at the time of cord clamping. In control group, nothing was given. In all patients, active management of third stage of labour was done by using oxytocin 10 IU (IV) along with uterine massage. Blood loss soaked by tetra was calculated using formula, blood loss = wet weight-dry weight/1.05 (1.05 is constant). Amount of blood loss, postoperative Hb%, haematocrit, pulse rate, BP was noted in both groups and compared. BP and pulse were noted after 1 hour and Hb%, haematocrit were noted after 24 hours.
RESULTS
Study group showed significant decrease in total blood loss (around 117.9 mL) as compared to control group. There was significant decrease in the postoperative fall in Hb in the study group as compared to control, the mean difference being 0.631 gm%. Study group also showed decrease in postoperative fall in haematocrit as compared to control, the mean difference being 0.055.
CONCLUSION
Misoprostol significantly reduced caesarean blood loss and doesn’t affect foetal outcome without significant adverse effect.
