A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of misoprostol and routine uterotonics for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effects of 400-μg sublingual misoprostol plus routine uterotonics on postpartum hemorrhage.

Methods: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study was performed. After delivery of the child, eligible women received routine uterotonics and were randomly allocated to receive 400-μg misoprostol or placebo sublingually. The primary outcome measure was blood loss of at least 500 mL within 1 hour of taking the trial tablets.

Results: In total, 672 women received misoprostol and 673 received placebo. The baseline data were similar for both groups. Misoprostol plus routine uterotonics reduced postpartum blood loss, but the effect was not significant for blood loss of at least 500 mL (relative risk [RR] 0.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.63-1.45) or blood loss of at least 1000 mL (RR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.15-1.66). Misoprostol also reduced the need for non-routine oxytocin, manual removal of the placenta, and hysterectomy, but these differences were not significant either. Misoprostol was associated with pyrexia and moderate/severe shivering. There was no death in either group.

Conclusion: Misoprostol plus routine uterotonics resulted in modest reductions of blood loss in the third stage of labor, but the effects did not reach statistical significance. Larger studies are recommended.