Higher-dose oxytocin to prevent obstetric hemorrhage at vaginal delivery-does duration of infusion matter?

Abstract

Postpartum higher-dose oxytocin (80 U) compared with lower dose (10 U) given in 500 mL over 1 hour does not decrease postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) requiring treatment, but reduces the risk of hematocrit decline ≥ 6% among women delivering vaginally. Our objective was to evaluate whether the duration of administration of oxytocin influences outcomes.