Misoprostol for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of 400 microg rectal misoprostol in 5 cm(3) of saline with oxytocin 10 IU, i.m., in reducing bleeding during the third stage of labor.

Methods: A double blind, randomized, clinical trial including 663 women with uncomplicated vaginal delivery who received misoprostol (n=324) or oxytocin (n=339). Methods: Changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit from before to 72 h postpartum; blood loss during the third stage; duration of the third stage of labor; need for additional oxytocic drug; frequency of requisition and of administration of blood; changes in blood pressure; and occurrence of side effects.

Results: No significant differences were observed between groups, before and 72 h postpartum, in mean hemoglobin and hematocrit, on volume of blood loss and duration of third stage of labor. The incidence of shivering and mean temperature (P<0.01) was significantly greater among women receiving misoprostol than oxytocin.

Conclusions: Misoprostol administered as a micro-enema, 400 microg in 5 ml of saline during the third stage of labor, appears to be as effective as oxytocin 10 IU, i.m., but misoprostol produced more side effects than oxytocin.