Effect of the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths on the use of Syntocinon at Caesarean section in the UK

Abstract

The recommended dose of Syntocinon used for uterine contraction at Caesarean section is5 units intravenously, given slowly. We conducted a survey of the use of Syntocinon at Caesarean section among 240 lead obstetric anaesthetists in the UK in 2001 and found that 155 (87%) of the 179 (75%) respondents gave 10 units, 77 of them (50%) by rapid bolus. The risks of Syntocinon, especially given by rapid injection, were highlighted in the report of the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the UK (1997-99), which was published at the end of 2001, and so the survey was repeated in 2002. Of the 256 forms sent, 198 completed replies were returned (77%); these indicated a dramatic change of practice: only 30 (15%) now gave 10 units and only 7 of these (23%) by a rapid injection. One hundred and sixty-seven respondents to the second survey (84%) stated they had changed their practice and 159 of these (95%) gave the Confidential Enquiries report as the main reason for change. These results highlight the importance of the Confidential Enquiries as a means of improving practice.