Umbilical vein oxytocin for the treatment of retained placenta (Release Study): a double-blind, randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Retained placenta is associated with post-partum hemorrhage. Meta-analysis has suggested that umbilical injection of oxytocin could increase placental expulsion without the need for a surgeon or anesthetic. We assessed the effect of high-dose umbilical vein oxytocin as a treatment for retained placenta. In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, hemodynamically stable women with a retained placenta for more than 30 min were recruited from 13 sites in the UK, Uganda, and Pakistan. 577 women were randomly assigned by a computer-generated randomization list stratified by center to 30 mL saline containing either 50 IU oxytocin (n=292) or 5 mL water (n=285), which was injected into the placenta through an umbilical vein catheter. All trial participants, study workers, and data handlers were masked to individual allocations. The primary outcome was the need for manual removal of the placenta. Analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered, number ISRCTN 13204258.