Prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in caesarean section with carbetocin

Czech version

Authors: V. Korečko; A. Hudec; Jakub Turek
Authors‘ workplace: Gynekologicko-porodnická klinika, FN Plzeň
Published in: Prakt Gyn 2011; 15(3-4): 149-151
Category: Original Article

Overview

Objective:
To determine whether carbetocin administration during a caesarean section can lead to a significant blood loss reduction and a reduced need for subsequent blood transfusion.

Material and methods:
In this retrospective study, we compared caesarean sections performed in two subsequent periods. Group A included all (965) caesarean sections in 2009; oxytocin alone was given to prevent postpartal hemorrhage. Caesarean sections from the second semester 2010 and the first semester 2011 (963 patients) were enrolled in group B. 26.8% of these patients were co-administered Duratocin. Blood transfusion was given for circulatory instability or when hemoglobin declined to less than 78 mg/dl.

Results:
The incidence of postpartal hemorrhage and the need for blood transfusion was significantly lower in group B. 112 transfusion units of erythrocyte mass (TU) were given in group A in comparison to 80 TU in group B. The incidence reduction was 31%, reaching statistical significance at the p < 0.05 level.

Conclusion:
Carbetocin administration was proven to lead to a significant reduction in the need for post-caesarean section blood transfusion.

Key words:
postpartal hemorrhage – caesarean section – carbetocin – uterine atony – transfusion

Sources

1. Smith JR, Ramus RM, Brennan BG et al. Postpartum Hemorrhage Treatment & Management. Available from: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/275038-overview.

2. Rogers M, Chang A. Postpartum Hemorrhage and Other Problems of the Third Stage. In: James D, Steer P, Weiner C et al (eds). High risk pregnancy. 3^rd ed. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier 2006: 1559–1578.

3. Magann EF, Evans S, Hutchinson M et al. Postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean delivery: an analysis of risk factors. South Med J 2005; 6(1): 681–685.

4. B-Lynch C, Keith LG, Karoshi M et al. A text-book of postpartum hemorrhage. Dumfries: Sapiens Publishing 2006.

5. Product Information: Duratocin(R), carbetocin. Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Toronto, Canada (PI revised 7/2000) reviewed 7/2000.