Comparison of Intravenous Carbetocin (100 Mcg) and Intravenous Oxytocin (10 IU) for the Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage Following Emergency Cesarean Section.

BACKGROUND

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality, particularly following cesarean sections. While oxytocin is the standard uterotonic agent, carbetocin, a long-acting synthetic analogue, may offer improved efficacy due to its prolonged uterotonic effect and better stability.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of intravenous carbetocin (100 mcg) versus oxytocin (10 IU) in preventing PPH following emergency cesarean sections by evaluating blood loss, the need for additional uterotonics, and maternal hemodynamic stability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 350 women undergoing emergency cesarean section were randomly assigned to receive either carbetocin (Group A) or oxytocin (Group B). Intraoperative blood loss, uterine tone, and hemodynamic parameters were measured. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software, version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).

RESULTS

Carbetocin was associated with significantly lower blood loss ≥1000 ml (13(7.43%) vs. 33(18.86%), p = 0.0015) and a reduced need for additional uterotonics (10(5.71%) vs. 21(12%), p = 0.0385). Uterine tone was superior in the carbetocin group at three and five minutes post-administration (p = 0.023 and p = 0.003, respectively). Both drugs had similar safety profiles, with no significant differences in adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Carbetocin demonstrated superior efficacy in preventing PPH compared to oxytocin, with lower blood loss, reduced need for additional interventions, and improved uterine tone. Carbetocin is a viable and safer alternative to oxytocin for PPH prevention, especially in emergency cesarean sections.