Comparative study between rectally administered misoprostol as a prophylaxis versus conventional intramuscular oxytocin in post partum hemorrhage.

Post partum hemorrhage is a major cause of maternal death in developing country. A prospective, Observational comparative study was carried out in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital during the period from July 2003 to December 2003 to compare the effectiveness of rectally administered misoprostol with intramuscular oxytocin in prevention of post partum hemorrhage. A total number of 200 women were studied among whom 100 women were received 10 units of oxytocin intramuscularly & 100 women were given 600 microgram misoprostol per rectally. The incidence of PPH and side effects were examined. In 94% cases (using misoprostol) additional oxytocin was not required, only in 6% cases bleeding was more than average and additional oxytocin was given intramuscularly, in 98% cases (using oxytocin) additional oxytocin was not required. No patient had blood loss more than 1000ml and none required blood transfusion in either group. The main side effects of misoprostol were shivering and rise of temperature. So it can be suggested that per rectally administered misoprostol may be effective in the prevention of PPH as an alternative to conventional intramuscular oxytocin.