Role of Intra Umblical Oxytocin injection in the Management of Retained Placenta

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of intra umbilical oxytocin injection as a treatment for retained placenta. Design: Quasi experimental study. Place and duration of study: This was conducted at DHQ  Hospital Faisalabad over a period of two year from January 2005 to January 2007. Patients and  methods  A  total of 30 hemodynamically stable women having singleton pregnancy and vaginal delivery with retained placenta admitted in labour ward were selected. 20i. u of oxytocin diluted in 20cc normal saline was injected through the umbilical vein. Results: Thirty cases of retained placenta were managed during study period. The highest percentages of patients ( 66. 6%) with retained placenta were between the ages of 20 -30 years. Majority of patients ( 46. 6%) having parity between 1 to 4. 56. 6% of patients having gestation between 38 -39 weeks. Intra umbilical oxytocin injection was successful in 70 % of patients while 30% of patients required manual removal of placenta. 60% of patients expelled placenta in less than 10 minutes. Amount of blood loss was less than 80 ml in 71. 4%  of patients and 28. 5% of the patients received a blood transfusion. None of the patient developed side effects of the drug. Conclusion Injection of oxytocin intothe umbilical vein is a safe procedure that can cause placental separation and delivery and thus avoiding the anesthetic risk, genital tract trauma, and infection associated with manual removal of placenta.