Carbetocin versus oxytocin after caesarean section: similar efficacy but reduced pain perception in women with high risk of postpartum haemorrhage

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of carbetocin with oxytocin with respect to maintain adequate uterine tone and to reduce the incidence and severity of postpartum haemorrhage. Moreover safety, adverse effects and the need of additional medications were evaluated. Methods: Prospective controlled clinical trial. We compared the effect of a single dose of carbetocin (n = 55) with oxytocin infusion (n = 55) in a women population undergoing to elective caesarean section with regional subarachnoid anaesthesia with at least one risk factor for postpartum haemorrhage. Results: The mean ± SD of postoperative pain in the day of surgery in carbetocin group was significantly lower than in oxytocin group and remained significant till the third day after caesarean section. In the day of surgery and the first day after surgery, women of carbetocin group who needed analgesic drugs were significantly lower than women of oxytocin group. The differences of diuresis and of diuretic drugs need were not statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusions: A single carbetocin injection is efficacious and safe on the maintenance of uterine tone and on the limitation of blood losses, in peri- and in postoperative period. In addition, carbetocin was able to reduce pain perception during postoperative days improving quality life of women.

Keywords::

• carbetocin
• diuresis
• oxytocin
• pain
• postpartum haemorrhage
• safety profile

Acknowledgement

The authors thank the Dr. Giulia Biliotti, Dr. Pamela Dottarelli, Dr. Carlotta Boni and Dr. Daniela Dores for contributing to collect data for this study.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest.