Comparison of 2 Units and 5 Units of Oxytocin Bolus Doses Followed by Infusion in Patients Undergoing Elective Caesarean Section

This study was undertaken to compare the effects of 2 Units of oxytocin with that of 5 Units in elective caesarean section with respect to changes in heart rate, blood pressure and uterine tone. A total number of 80 patients were enrolled in this randomized double- blind study with 2 groups of 40 each. Immediately after delivery patients in Group I received 2 units Oxytocin intravenous bolus and patients in Group II received 5 units Oxytocin intravenous bolus. All received infusion of 20 units in 500ml Ringer's lactate at the rate of 10units/hour. Heart rate, mean arterial pressure, blood loss, uterine tone, emetic symptoms and need for additional uterotonic drugs were recorded. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired students t-test and chi square test. Decrease in blood pressure and increase in pulse rate was comparatively more in the 5 units group with maximum occurring between 6 to 10 minutes following bolus. Decrease in blood pressure and increase in pulse rate in 2 units group was lesser. The percentage of rescue drugs used for hypotension is significantly higher in 5 units group. We conclude that in elective caesarean section after the extraction of the placenta, 2 units of bolus oxytocin is adequate for a good uterine contraction with no change in blood loss compared to 5 units.