Evaluation of the oxytocin use in the active management of third stage of labour among Sudanese women: a prospective, hospital-based study

Abstract

Background: Active management of third stage of labour (AMTSL) by administration of prophylactic uterotonic drugs immediately after delivery can reduce the rate of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). This study aimed to evaluate oxytocin use in the prevention of primary PPH at Omdurman Maternity Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan. Methods: An observational comparative, prospective, hospital-based study recruited 1,797 pregnant women with plan for normal delivery. Females at risk of PPH were selected and given oxytocin. The Sample was divided into two groups: group one women without identifiable PPH risk (low PPH risk group) and group two women with known PPH risk (risk group). Collected data has been analyzed using SPSS V.21. Results: Only 110 of women (6.1%) developed PPH. Oxytocin 30 units, were mainly used for both high risk and low risk groups in AMTSL for prevention of PPH for both groups it was given as IV bolus plus IV infusion. Out of 110 women with PPH 89 women (81%) received only 1–2 units of blood and 20 women (18.2%) did not received any blood. Only one woman (0.9%) received 3 units of blood. Conclusions: Prophylactic oxytocin reduces the rate of PPH in both groups however the rate is lower among the low risk group. The use of prophylactic oxytocin reduces the need for blood transfusion in Sudanese Women.