Comparison of haemodynamic effects of a bolus of five units of oxytocin versus a bolus of ten units of oxytocin on parturients undergoing caesarean section at Parirenyatwa and Harare hospitals, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Objectives: This study was done to compare the haemodynamic effects of an intravenous bolus of 5 IU oxytocin versus a bolus of 10 IU.
Study Design: A prospective randomised clinical trial.
Setting: The study was conducted at Harare Central Hospital Maternity Unit and Mbuya Nehanda Maternity hospital
Study Subjects: The study was conducted in 86 ASA 1 and 2 parturients undergoing spinal anaesthesia for elective and emergency caesarean section
Methods: The 86 patients were randomized to receive either five IU or ten IU of oxytocin post-delivery. Noninvasive monitoring of Heart rate, Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) was done. Blood loss was also measured.
Results: There was a statistically significant greater increase in mean Heart rate in patients who received 10 IU than in those who received 5 IU of oxytocin (p=0.028). There was a larger decrease in Mean Arterial Pressure, Diastolic blood pressure and Systolic blood pressure in patients who received 10 IU of oxytocin than in patients who received 5 IU of oxytocin (p<0.0001). There was no difference in blood loss between the two groups.
Conclusions: During caesarean section, a bolus of 5 IU oxytocin results in less haemodynamic change than a bolus of 10 IU of oxytocin with no difference in the blood loss.