Randomized controlled trial comparing carbetocin, misoprostol, and oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage following an elective cesarean delivery

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of carbetocin, misoprostol, and oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage following cesarean deliveries.

Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with a singleton pregnancy scheduled for an elective cesarean delivery at a maternity hospital in Cairo, Egypt, between October 1, 2012 and June 30, 2013. Participants were randomized using a computer-generated sequence to receive treatment with carbetocin, misoprostol, or oxytocin. The primary outcome was the occurrence of uterine atony necessitating additional uterotonics. Per-protocol analyses were performed. Patients, investigators, and data analysts were masked to treatment assignments.

Results: The present study enrolled 263 patients; data were analyzed from 88 patients treated with carbetocin, 89 treated with misoprostol, and 86 women treated with oxytocin. Further uterotonics were needed for the treatment of 5 (6%) patients who were treated with carbetocin, 20 (22%) patients treated with misoprostol, and 11 (13%) patients treated with oxytocin. In the prevention of uterine atony, carbetocin was comparable with oxytocin (RR 0.41, 95%CI 0.14-1.25) and superior to misoprostol (RR 0.21, 95%CI 0.07-0.58).

Conclusion: Additional uterotonics were needed less frequently by patients treated with carbetocin. Carbetocin was comparable to oxytocin and superior to misoprostol in the prevention of uterine atony following an elective cesarean delivery. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02053922.

Keywords: Atony; Carbetocin; Cesarean delivery; Misoprostol; Oxytocin; Postpartum hemorrhage.