Comparison of Carbetocin with Ergometrine for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality and is mainly
treated with contraceptive drugs. The aim of research was to compare Carbetocin versus Ergometrine in
women who undergo caesarian section.
Methodology: A single blind comparative prospective study was conducted at the G.N.M.A. "Elena
Venizelou". The sample of the study consisted of 100 women of interest, who were randomly assigned to
receive either Carbetocin or Ergometrine. The majority of the sample had not had a caesarean section in
the past. Hematocrit levels, platelet count, blood loss, side effects, and frequency of rescue therapy were
compared between the 2 groups.
Results: The Carbetocin group had 52 interest rates and the Ergometrine group 48. There was a
statistically lower blood loss in the Carbetocin group (p = 0.035). There were no statistically significant
differences in hematocrit levels, platelet count, side effects and frequency of rescue therapy between the
2 groups (p> 0.05).The presence of a side effect was associated with greater blood loss (p≤0,017). The
application of rescue therapy was associated with higher hematocrit levels before drug administration (p
= 0.005) and greater reduction after administration (p = 0.007) as well as greater blood loss (p <0.001).
Conclusions: Carbetocin resulted in statistically less blood loss compared to Ergometrine, and showed
similar results in terms of side effects and the application of rescue therapy. More randomized clinical
trials are needed to determine the appropriate choice of contraceptive drugs in women who undergo a
cesarean section.