Postpartum uterine response to oxytocin and carbetocin
Amsalem, H.; Aldrich, C.J.; Oskamp, M.; Windrim, R.; Farine, D.
Journal of Reproductive Medicine 59(3-4): 167-173
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0024-7758 PMID: 24724226 Document Number: 671495
To obtain quantitative data on uterine contractility postpartum and compare the response of intramuscular oxytocin to carbetocin. A prospective study using an intrauterine pressure transducer (IUPT) to measure frequency, amplitude, and duration of contractions following the administration of either oxytocin (10 U) or carbetocin (30 microg). The IUPT was tolerated by all subjects and generated useful data 90% of the time in most subjects (12/16). Both drugs generated hypertonic uterine activity with contractions of similar duration. However, carbetocin resulted in contractions of sustained higher amplitude and frequency and therefore higher uterine performance as expressed by Montevideo units. This uterotonic effect of carbetocin lasted for 3 hours. IUPT monitoring generated quantitative data on postpartum uterine activity. When compared to high-dose oxytocin, a low dose of carbetocin has a more prolonged effect on uterine activity both in terms of a higher amplitude and frequency of contractions.