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Meta-Analysis
. 2006 Jul 19;2006(3):CD005298.
doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD005298.pub2.

Routine prophylactic drugs in normal labour for reducing gastric aspiration and its effects

G M L Gyte  1 , Y Richens
Affiliations
Meta-Analysis

Routine prophylactic drugs in normal labour for reducing gastric aspiration and its effects

G M L Gyte et al. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. .

Abstract

Background: Women in normal labour may sometimes go on to have general anaesthesia if labour becomes abnormal, for example if a caesarean section is required. General anaesthesia carries a very small risk of regurgitation and inhalation of stomach contents into the lungs. This can cause inflammation, particularly if the fluid is acidic, and can lead to severe morbidity and very occasionally mortality. Labour hormones increase the risk of gastric aspiration or Mendelsohn's syndrome, though the exact incidence is unknown. The routine administration of acid prophylaxis drugs to all women in normal labour is commonly practiced worldwide, to reduce gastric aspiration by reducing the volume and acidity of stomach contents.

Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of routine prophylaxis drugs for women in normal labour to reduce gastric aspiration and its effects.

Search strategy: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trials Register (December 2005), EMBASE (1974 to April 2005) and CINAHL (1982 to April 2005).

Selection criteria: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of women in normal labour assessing the routine administration of drugs (antacids, H(2) receptor antagonists, dopamine antagonists and proton-pump inhibitors) compared with placebo/no treatment, and compared with other drugs for reducing gastric aspiration.

Data collection and analysis: Two review authors independently assessed eligibility, quality, extracted data and performed double-data entry.

Main results: Three trials were included, involving 2465 women, assessing the effects of antacids, H(2) receptor antagonists and dopamine antagonists. There were no trials on proton-pump inhibitors. None of the trials were of good quality, and none assessed the incidence of gastric aspiration, Mendelsohn's syndrome or their consequences. All the studies assessed vomiting, and there was limited evidence that vomiting may be reduced by antacids (relative risk (RR) 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27 to 0.77, n = 578, one trial) or by dopamine antagonists given alongside pethidine (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.68, n = 584, one trial). Comparisons between different drugs showed no significant differences, though the number of participants was small. There was no evidence that H(2) receptor antagonists improved outcomes compared with antacids, though only one trial addressed this issue.

Authors' conclusions: There is no good evidence to support the routine administration of acid prophylaxis drugs in normal labour to prevent gastric aspiration and its consequences. Giving such drugs to women once a decision to give general anaesthesia is made, is assessed in another Cochrane review.

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Conflict of interest statement

None known.

Figures

1.1
1.1. Analysis
Comparison 1 Antacids versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 Vomiting.
2.1
2.1. Analysis
Comparison 2 Gelsuil versus Maalox, Outcome 1 Vomiting.
3.1
3.1. Analysis
Comparison 3 Gelsuil versus Mylanta II, Outcome 1 Vomiting.
4.1
4.1. Analysis
Comparison 4 Maalox versus Mylanta II, Outcome 1 Vomiting.
11.1
11.1. Analysis
Comparison 11 H2 receptor antagonists versus antacids, Outcome 1 Vomiting.
11.3
11.3. Analysis
Comparison 11 H2 receptor antagonists versus antacids, Outcome 3 Caesarean section.
11.4
11.4. Analysis
Comparison 11 H2 receptor antagonists versus antacids, Outcome 4 Emergency general anaesthetic.
11.5
11.5. Analysis
Comparison 11 H2 receptor antagonists versus antacids, Outcome 5 Postpartum haemorrhage.
11.7
11.7. Analysis
Comparison 11 H2 receptor antagonists versus antacids, Outcome 7 Stillbirth.
20.1
20.1. Analysis
Comparison 20 Dopamine antagonists versus placebo or no treatment ‐ given alongside pethidine, Outcome 1 Vomiting.
20.6
20.6. Analysis
Comparison 20 Dopamine antagonists versus placebo or no treatment ‐ given alongside pethidine, Outcome 6 Apgar < 7 at 1 minute.
20.7
20.7. Analysis
Comparison 20 Dopamine antagonists versus placebo or no treatment ‐ given alongside pethidine, Outcome 7 Perinatal death.
21.1
21.1. Analysis
Comparison 21 Metoclopramide versus Perphenazine ‐ given alongside pethidine, Outcome 1 Vomiting.
21.3
21.3. Analysis
Comparison 21 Metoclopramide versus Perphenazine ‐ given alongside pethidine, Outcome 3 Perinatal death.
21.6
21.6. Analysis
Comparison 21 Metoclopramide versus Perphenazine ‐ given alongside pethidine, Outcome 6 Apgar < 7 at 1 minute.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Update of

References

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