View clinical trials related to Uterine Atony.
Filter by:Insufficient uterine tone resulting in atony can potentiate hemorrhage and adverse outcomes for the parturient. Oxytocin is the first pharmacologic agent used, followed by methylergonovine, carboprost, and misoprostol. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends the sequential use of oxytocin, followed by methylergonovine, carboprost, misoprostol, then surgical intervention for cases of refractory uterine atony. Many studies have examined the effect and dosage of intravenous uterotonics, including oxytocin. Although there are anecdotal reports of using intravenous bolus or rapid infusion of methylergonovine, no randomized trial has compared efficacy and side effects of these two routes of administration. Investigators hypothesize that intravenous methylergonovine reduces the time to adequate uterine tone (the tone at which the uterus is adequately contracted to prevent atony after delivery of neonate), decreases the total dose of methylergonovine to contract the uterus, and therefore produces fewer side effects of hypertension, nausea, and vomiting. Reducing the time to achieve adequate uterine tone is likely to decrease postpartum hemorrhage.
The purpose of this study will be to evaluate a standardized, evidence-based protocol versus a conventional approach for the dosing of oxytocin in vaginal delivery.
Oxytocin use has become routine practice in elective cesarean delivery to promote uterine contraction and reduce blood loss. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the best dose of oxytocin and the most effective route of administration. Most dosage and delivery systems have been empirically derived. It is currently our practice at the Royal University Hospital to start an oxytocin infusion (20U/L) once the baby has been delivered. Some anesthesiologists use bolus intravenous oxytocin and it is occasionally requested by the obstetrician. A few obstetricians also choose to inject bolus oxytocin directly into the uterus (intramyometrial). The primary objectives of the study include: 1. Determine if our standard 'low dose' oxytocin infusion is adequate prophylaxis to prevent need for additional uterotonics, including additional oxytocin; 2. Determine if the addition of prophylactic intramyometrial oxytocin improves both the primary outcome (uterine tone) and secondary outcomes (estimated blood loss, preoperative to postoperative change in hematocrit, need for additional uterotonics, and need for blood pressure support); and 3. Act as a dose finding study to determine if the intramyometrial dose is sufficient to augment uterine contraction. The working hypothesis is that the use of intramyometrial oxytocin will not improve primary or secondary outcomes compared to the current practice of an oxytocin infusion alone.