Impact of preoperative rectal misoprostol on blood loss during and after elective cesarean delivery

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of preoperative administration of rectal misoprostol on blood loss during and after elective cesarean delivery.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 400 women scheduled for elective cesarean delivery. The study group (n=200) received 400 μg of misoprostol. The control group (n=200) received placebo. Study medications were administered rectally after catheter insertion and shortly before skin incision. The main outcome measures were intra-operative blood loss, postpartum blood loss at 24 hours, and difference between preoperative and postoperative hematocrit values.

Results: The mean intra-operative and postpartum blood loss was significantly lower in the study group than the control group: 429 ± 234 mL and 185 ± 95 mL versus 620 ± 375 mL and 324 ± 167 mL, respectively (P=0.001 for both comparisons). The difference between the preoperative and postoperative hematocrit values was also significantly lower in the study group than the control group (4.62 ± 2.45 versus 8.15 ± 3.84; P=0.02). Admissions to the neonatal intensive care unit and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were comparable between the 2 groups.

Conclusion: Preoperative treatment with 400 μg rectal misoprostol significantly reduced blood loss related to elective cesarean delivery.