Publication:

Role of methylergometrine versus oxytocin in the active management of third stage of labour: a randomised control trial

Background Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal death globally. The routine practice of active management of third stage of labour has been shown to reduce haemorrhage by up to 60%. The present study evaluated the role of methylergometrine versus oxytocin in active management of third stage of labour in reducing the risk of PPH.

Methods This study was conducted on a total of 400 women admitted in the labour ward of PESIMSR hospital, by using simple randomized design. The first study group included women who received intramuscular oxytocin (n=200) and, the second group included women who received intravenous Methylergometrine (n=200) within, one minute of delivery of the baby.

Results The mean blood loss among study first and the second study group were 172.8 ml and 148.9 ml respectively (p<0.05) and, the mean duration of third stage of labour were 5.9 and 5.1 minutes respectively (p<0.05). The mean pre-and post-delivery haemoglobin values among the first and second group were 11.76 mg/dl, 10.46 mg/dl and, 11.76 mg/dl, 10.6 mg/dl respectively (p<0.05). There was an increase in the blood pressure in the ergometrine group and, slight decrease of blood pressure in oxytocin group.

Conclusions The use of methyl ergometrine as part of active management of third stage of labour was associated with a significant reduction in mean blood loss value, duration of third stage of labour, and the additional need of oxytocic though, methylergometrine has significant side effects like nausea, vomiting and rise in blood pressure.