Publication:

A comparative study of different route of administration of misoprostol in the management of third stage of labour

Background Post partum haemorrhage is the most common cause of maternal morbidity and mortality.  Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analogue, used for management of post partum haemorrhage. It can be used by various routes with minimal side effects. This study is done to compare the different routes of administration of Misoprostol for the third stage management and their side effects. Objectives of present study were to estimate the amount of blood loss, to assess the maternal side effects of drug, to know the haemoglobin deficit, to know the duration of third stage of labour.

Methods This was a prospective hospital base study of 150 women delivery at obstetrics and gynaecology department at ESICMC Model Hospital, Rajajinagar. They were randomized into 3 groups of 50 patients each. They received 400 µg of misoprostol either orally or rectally or sublingually immediately after delivery of the fetus. The primary outcomes analysed were amount of blood loss duration of third stage of labour haemoglobin deficit and their side effectsResults: The amount of blood loss and haemoglobin deficit was least in sublingual group which was statistically significant. Need of additional oxytocics was less in sublingual and oral group, though it was not statistically significant.

Conclusions In the present study, sublingual Misoprostol was found to be more effective in reducing blood loss during third stage of labour.