Postpartum Hemorrhage Research Paper
Abstract
Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a potentially fatal complication of vaginal and cesarean deliveries. The active management of the third stage of labor provides administration of prophylactic uterotonic drugs just before or immediately after delivery, since they reduce the risk of PPH by 60%. Objective: Overview on all available uterotonics for PPH prevention to clarify indications and contraindications in choice among drugs. Search Strategy: Systematic review of the literature. Main Results:
Oxytocin is the first choice for PPH prophylaxis. Ergot alkaloids, syntometrine, and prostaglandins are second-line uterotonic agents. Misoprostol is not effective as oxytocin but it may be used when the latter is not available. Carbetocin
Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a potentially fatal complication of vaginal and cesarean deliveries. The active management of the third stage of labor provides administration of prophylactic uterotonic drugs just before or immediately after delivery, since they reduce the risk of PPH by 60%. Objective: Overview on all available uterotonics for PPH prevention to clarify indications and contraindications in choice among drugs. Search Strategy: Systematic review of the literature. Main Results:
Oxytocin is the first choice for PPH prophylaxis. Ergot alkaloids, syntometrine, and prostaglandins are second-line uterotonic agents. Misoprostol is not effective as oxytocin but it may be used when the latter is not available. Carbetocin