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African Journal of Reproductive Health Apr 2023Induction of labor (IOL) is the stimulation of the uterus during pregnancy to begin the onset of labour. Nearly two of five pregnancies require IOL. We compared the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Induction of labor (IOL) is the stimulation of the uterus during pregnancy to begin the onset of labour. Nearly two of five pregnancies require IOL. We compared the effectiveness of double-balloon catheter (DBC) with dinoprostone (PGE-2) insert for labour induction from previous studies. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the safety and efficacy of DBC to PGE-2. To evaluate the studies, we utilized the Cochrane tool for risk of bias assessment. The rates of vaginal birth and cesarean section were the primary outcomes. We included ten RCTs in this meta-analysis with a total sample of 2493 singleton pregnancies. After 24 hours, there was no significant difference in the delivery rates between DBC and PGE-2 s [R.R=1.08, 95% CI, (0.77, 1.52), P.value=0.65], and the rate of cesarean delivery [R.R=1.03, 95% CI, (0.90; 1.18), P.value=0.65]. The DBC showed a significantly higher oxytocin use rate compared to the PGE-2 group [R.R=1.77, 95% CI, (1.41; 2.32), P.value<0.0001]. In the PGE-2 group, there was a significantly higher risk of uterine hyperstimulation, tachysystole, and umbilical artery PH levels below 7. There was no significant difference in the efficacy between the PGE-2 and DBC in terms of delivery rate in 24 hours and the rate of cesarean delivery except for a slight BISHOP score improvement with DBC. However, DBC showed a higher rate of oxytocin use compared to the PGE-2, the DBC seems to be safer with a lower risk of umbilical artery PH < 7, uterine hyperstimulation, and tachysystole incidence than PGE-2.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Dinoprostone; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Labor, Induced; Catheters
PubMed: 37584912
DOI: 10.29063/ajrh2023/v27i4.10 -
International Journal of Obstetric... Dec 2016Carbetocin is a new synthetic analogue of oxytocin. It has a longer half life than oxytocin. This review examines the current evidence for the use of carbetocin as an... (Review)
Review
Carbetocin is a new synthetic analogue of oxytocin. It has a longer half life than oxytocin. This review examines the current evidence for the use of carbetocin as an alternative to oxytocin, as a first-line agent in the pharmacological management of the third stage of labour.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage
PubMed: 27816269
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijoa.2016.10.003 -
Midwifery Sep 2014to identify primary and secondary outcome measures in randomised trials, and systematic reviews of randomised trials, measuring effectiveness of oxytocin for treatment... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
to identify primary and secondary outcome measures in randomised trials, and systematic reviews of randomised trials, measuring effectiveness of oxytocin for treatment of delay in the first and second stages of labour, and to identify any positive health-focussed outcomes used.
DESIGN
eight relevant citation databases were searched up to January 2013 for all randomised trials, and systematic reviews of randomised trials, measuring effectiveness of oxytocin for treatment of delay in labour. Trials of active management of labour or partogram action lines were excluded. 1918 citations were identified. Two reviewers reviewed all citations and extracted data. Twenty-six individual trials and five systematic reviews were included. Primary and secondary outcome measures were documented and analysed using frequency distributions.
FINDINGS
most frequent primary outcomes were caesarean section (n=15, 46%), length of labour (n=14, 42%), measurements of uterine activity (n=13, 39%) and mode of vaginal birth (n=9, 27%). Maternal satisfaction was identified a priori by one review and included as a secondary outcome by three papers. No further positive health-focussed outcomes were identified.
KEY CONCLUSIONS
outcomes used to measure the effectiveness of oxytocin for treatment of delay in labour are heterogeneous and tend to focus on adverse events.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
it is recommended that, in future randomised trials of oxytocin use for delay in labour, some women-centred and health-focussed outcome measures should be used, which may instil a more salutogenic culture in childbirth.
Topics: Cesarean Section; Delivery, Obstetric; Female; Humans; Obstetric Labor Complications; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 25017174
DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2014.06.005 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2014When women require induction of labour, oxytocin is the most common agent used, delivered by an intravenous infusion titrated to uterine contraction strength and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
When women require induction of labour, oxytocin is the most common agent used, delivered by an intravenous infusion titrated to uterine contraction strength and frequency. There is debate over the optimum dose regimen and how it impacts on maternal and fetal outcomes, particularly induction to birth interval, mode of birth, and rates of hyperstimulation. Current induction of labour regimens include both high- and low-dose regimens and are delivered by either continuous or pulsed infusions, with both linear and non-linear incremental increases in oxytocin dose. Whilst low-dose protocols bring on contractions safely, their potentially slow induction to birth interval may increase the chance of fetal infection and chorioamnionitis. Conversely, high-dose protocols may cause undue uterine hyperstimulation and fetal distress.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effectiveness and safety of high- versus low-dose oxytocin for induction of labour at term
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (31 August 2014) and the reference lists of relevant papers.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials and quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared oxytocin protocol for induction of labour for women at term, where high-dose oxytocin is at least 100 mU oxytocin in the first 40 minutes, with increments delivering at least 600 mU in the first two hours, compared with low-dose oxytocin, defined as less than 100 mU oxytocin in the first 40 minutes, and increments delivering less than 600 mU total in the first two hours.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed study eligibility, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Data were checked for accuracy.
MAIN RESULTS
We have included nine trials, involving 2391 women and their babies in this review. Trials were at a moderate to high risk of bias overall.Results of primary outcomes revealed no significant differences in rates of vaginal delivery not achieved within 24 hours (risk ratio (RR) 0.94, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78 to 1.14, two trials, 1339 women) or caesarean section (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.14, eight trials, 2023 women). There was no difference in serious maternal morbidity or death (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.55 to 2.82, one trial, 523 women), and no difference in serious neonatal morbidity or perinatal death (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.23 to 3.12, one trial, 781 infants). Finally, no trials reported on the number of women who had uterine hyperstimulation with fetal heart rate changes.Results of secondary outcomes revealed no difference between time from induction to delivery (mean difference (MD) -0.90 hours, 95% CI -2.28 to +0.49 hours; five studies), uterine rupture (RR 3.10, 95% CI 0.50 to 19.33; three trials), epidural analgesia (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.18; two trials), instrumental birth (RR 1.22, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.66; three trials), Apgar less than seven at five minutes (RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.77 to 2.01, five trials), perinatal death (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.23 to 3.12; two trials), postpartum haemorrhage (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.34; five trials), or endometritis (RR 1.35, 95% CI 0.53 to 3.43; three trials). Removal of high bias studies reveals a significant reduction of induction to delivery interval (MD -1.94 hours, 95% CI -0.99 to -2.89 hours, 489 women). A significant increase in hyperstimulation without specifying fetal heart rate changes was found in the high-dose group (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.25).No other secondary outcomes were reported: unchanged/unfavourable cervix after 12 to 24 hours, meconium-stained liquor, neonatal intensive care unit admission, neonatal encephalopathy, disability in childhood, other maternal side-effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea), maternal antibiotic use, maternal satisfaction, neonatal infection and neonatal antibiotic use.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
The findings of our review do not provide evidence that high-dose oxytocin increases either vaginal delivery within 24 hours or the caesarean section rate. There is no significant decrease in induction to delivery time at meta-analysis but these results may be confounded by poor quality trials. High-dose oxytocin was shown to increase the rate of uterine hyperstimulation but the effects of this are not clear. The conclusions here are specific to the definitions used in this review. Further trials evaluating the effects of high-dose regimens of oxytocin for induction of labour should consider all important maternal and infant outcomes.
Topics: Female; Humans; Labor, Induced; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Term Birth
PubMed: 25300173
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD009701.pub2 -
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology :... Aug 2019Excessive bleeding during and after caesarean section is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in low resource countries. This study evaluates...
Excessive bleeding during and after caesarean section is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in low resource countries. This study evaluates the effect of intrauterine misoprostol with oxytocin in comparison with oxytocin alone on blood loss during caesarean section. A retrospective data analysis of 160 women who underwent lower segment caesarean section was conducted. Eighty-five out of 160 (53%) women received tablet misoprostol 800 µg by intrauterine route after delivery of a baby in addition to routine oxytocin infusion (group A), while 75 women (47%) received only oxytocin (group B). Blood loss, Haemoglobin (Hb) difference (pre-operative Hb - post-operative Hb) and need of any other oxytocic were compared in both the groups. Demographic variables such as mean age, parity, and an indication of caesarean section were comparable in both the groups. Mean blood loss during caesarean section was lower in group A (680 ± 202 mL) than group B (740 ± 228 mL) ( = .08). Higher Hb difference was noted in group B (1.03 ± 0.83 gm%) than group A (0.93 ± 0.68 gm%) ( = .41). No patient required additional oxytocic and no patient had postpartum haemorrhage in both the groups. The use of misoprostol by the intrauterine route in addition to routine oxytocin infusion during caesarean section is associated with a clinically significant reduction in intra-operative and post-operative blood loss. IMPACT STATEMENT The role of misoprostol in the prevention and treatment of haemorrhage during and after caesarean section is well known and well studied. It is a better alternative to oxytocin in low resource settings. Various routes of misoprostol, with or without oxytocin, and its effect on intrapartum and postpartum haemorrhage are described in the literature. Misoprostol is an autocoid substance and acts better if it is close to the target organ (uterus). The use of misoprostol by the intrauterine route during caesarean section has not been well explored. The use of misoprostol by intrauterine route in addition to routine oxytocin infusion during caesarean section is associated with decreased intra-operative and post-operative -blood loss. The findings of this study reveal that misoprostol is also effective by the intrauterine route. It is a convenient way to insert misoprostol during caesarean section and it can be considered to prevent intrapartum and postpartum haemorrhage. More studies including randomised controlled trials with bigger sample size are needed to reach to any firm conclusion.
Topics: Adult; Blood Loss, Surgical; Cesarean Section; Female; Humans; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Uterus
PubMed: 31010345
DOI: 10.1080/01443615.2019.1581743 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Oct 2022
Topics: Anaphylaxis; Female; Humans; Labor, Induced; Labor, Obstetric; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Pregnancy
PubMed: 35695224
DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.14304 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2015Active management of the third stage of labour involves giving a prophylactic uterotonic, early cord clamping and controlled cord traction to deliver the placenta. With... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Active management of the third stage of labour involves giving a prophylactic uterotonic, early cord clamping and controlled cord traction to deliver the placenta. With expectant management, signs of placental separation are awaited and the placenta is delivered spontaneously. Active management was introduced to try to reduce haemorrhage, a major contributor to maternal mortality in low-income countries.
OBJECTIVES
To compare the effectiveness of active versus expectant management of the third stage of labour.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trials Register (30 September 2014) and reference lists of retrieved studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing active versus expectant management of the third stage of labour.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and carried out data extraction.
MAIN RESULTS
We included seven studies (involving 8247 women), all undertaken in hospitals, six in high-income countries and one in a low-income country. Four studies compared active versus expectant management, and three compared active versus a mixture of managements. We used random-effects in the analyses because of clinical heterogeneity. There was an absence of high-quality evidence according to GRADE assessments for our primary outcomes. The evidence suggested that for women at mixed levels of risk of bleeding, active management showed a reduction in the average risk of maternal primary haemorrhage at time of birth (more than 1000 mL) (average risk ratio (RR) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.87, three studies, 4636 women, GRADE:very low quality) and of maternal haemoglobin (Hb) less than 9 g/dL following birth (average RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.83, two studies, 1572 women, GRADE:low quality). We also found no difference in the incidence in admission of infants to neonatal units (average RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.60 to 1.11, two studies, 3207 infants, GRADE:low quality) nor in the incidence of infant jaundice requiring treatment (0.96, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.68, two studies, 3142 infants, GRADE:very low quality). There were no data on our other primary outcomes of very severe postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) at the time of birth (more than 2500 mL), maternal mortality, or neonatal polycythaemia needing treatment.Active management also showed a significant decrease in primary blood loss greater than 500 mL, and mean maternal blood loss at birth, maternal blood transfusion and therapeutic uterotonics during the third stage or within the first 24 hours, or both, and significant increases in maternal diastolic blood pressure, vomiting after birth, after-pains, use of analgesia from birth up to discharge from the labour ward and more women returning to hospital with bleeding (outcome not pre-specified). There was also a decrease in the baby's birthweight with active management, reflecting the lower blood volume from interference with placental transfusion.In the subgroup of women at low risk of excessive bleeding, there were similar findings, except there was no significant difference identified between groups for severe haemorrhage or maternal Hb less than 9 g/dL (at 24 to 72 hours).Hypertension and interference with placental transfusion might be avoided by using modifications to the active management package, e.g. omitting ergot and deferring cord clamping, but we have no direct evidence of this here.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Although there is a lack of high-quality evidence, active management of the third stage reduced the risk of haemorrhage greater than 1000 mL at the time of birth in a population of women at mixed risk of excessive bleeding, but adverse effects were identified. Women should be given information on the benefits and harms of both methods to support informed choice. Given the concerns about early cord clamping and the potential adverse effects of some uterotonics, it is critical now to look at the individual components of third-stage management. Data are also required from low-income countries.
Topics: Birth Weight; Constriction; Delivery, Obstetric; Female; Humans; Labor Stage, Third; Oxytocics; Placenta; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Watchful Waiting
PubMed: 25730178
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007412.pub4 -
International Journal of Gynaecology... Mar 2016Misoprostol is an effective cervical ripening agent. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Misoprostol is an effective cervical ripening agent.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the effect of misoprostol on cervical ripening before hysteroscopy.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for pertinent studies published before November 2014, using the search terms "hysteroscopy," "ripening," and "misoprostol."
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials published in English were included that compared the effects of misoprostol versus placebo on cervical dilatation before diagnostic or operative hysteroscopy.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Random-effects models were used to calculate odds ratios or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
MAIN RESULTS
The analysis included 32 trials. Misoprostol had significant effects on the need for further cervical dilatation (odds ratio 0.29, 95% CI 0.17-0.50), the cervical width (MD 1.53, 95% CI 0.92-2.13), and the time taken for cervical dilatation (MD -0.35, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.20). Corresponding observations were made in the subgroup of premenopausal women, but not in the subgroup of postmenopausal women. Adverse effects were significantly more common with misoprostol than with placebo (risk difference 0.07, 95% CI 0.01-0.12).
CONCLUSIONS
Misoprostol had a significant effect on cervical ripening before hysteroscopy, except in the postmenopausal population. However, it also resulted in more adverse effects.
Topics: Cervical Ripening; Cervix Uteri; Female; Humans; Hysteroscopy; Misoprostol; Oxytocics; Postmenopause; Pregnancy; Premenopause; Preoperative Care; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 26797202
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2015.07.039 -
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Apr 2016We sought to study the effect of propranolol co-administration with oxytocin during the latent and active phases of labor on labor outcomes. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
We sought to study the effect of propranolol co-administration with oxytocin during the latent and active phases of labor on labor outcomes.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched Medline, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Central Register databases. The meta-analysis was performed with the RevMan 5.1 software. Six studies were included in the present meta-analysis which enrolled 609 parturient.
RESULTS
According to the findings of our study, propranolol administration during the latent phase effectively reduces the cesarean section rates (OR 0.49, 95 % CI 0.27, 0.89). However, this beneficial effect is not observed during the active phase of labor. The 5 min neonatal Apgar scores are not influenced by its administration (MD -0.07, 95 % CI -0.017, 0.02). Respectively, the neonatal admissions to a NICU are similar to those of neonates exposed only to oxytocin (OR 0.96, 95 % CI 0.36, 2.53).
CONCLUSION
Propranolol's effect on the duration of the various stages of labor was underreported, however, evidence seem to support that it shortens the latent phase and possibly the total duration of labor. Firm results are, however, precluded due to the low number enrolled parturient and due to the significant methodological heterogeneity of included studies.
Topics: Cesarean Section; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Labor, Obstetric; Obstetric Labor Complications; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Pregnancy; Propranolol; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26695642
DOI: 10.1007/s00404-015-3991-8 -
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.) May 2015
Topics: Cesarean Section; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Female; Humans; Odds Ratio; Oxytocics; Oxytocin; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Research Design; Risk
PubMed: 25934660
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.h2327