Intravenous sulprostone infusion in the treatment of retained placenta

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effectiveness of intravenous sulprostone infusion for the treatment of retained placenta without massive primary hemorrhage among women at an university hospital over a three-year period.

Design: Retrospective observational study.

Setting: University teaching hospital.

Population: 126 consecutive women with placental retention and intravenous sulprostone infusion as primary treatment performed from October 2007 up to December 2011.

Methods: Hospital records of women who received sulprostone infusion to attempt placental expulsion were reviewed.

Main outcome measures: Primary endpoints of the study were expulsion of placenta and the total amount of blood loss during delivery.

Results: The placenta was successfully expelled in 39.7% of cases, whereas 60.3% of women underwent manual removal of placenta. Blood loss was significantly lower in women with successful placental expulsion than in women who had manual removal of the placenta (582 ± 431 ml vs. 1275 ± 721 ml, p < 0.0001). Sulprostone infusion did not cause adverse effects or significant postpartum morbidity.

Conclusions: Intravenous sulprostone infusion is safe and reduces both blood loss and the need for manual removal of the placenta.