Effect of oxytocin infusion on reducing the blood loss during abdominal myomectomy: a double-blind randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Objective To assess the effectiveness and safety of oxytocin to reduce blood loss during abdominal myomectomy. Design Double-blind randomised controlled trial. Setting Obstetrics and Gynecologic University Medical Centre. Population Eighty healthy women candidates for abdominal myomectomy. Methods Women were randomly assigned to two groups. In study group (n = 40) oxytocin 30 IU in 500 ml normal saline; and in the placebo group (n = 40) pure normal saline was administered during myomectomy. The main outcome measures were peri-operative blood loss and rates of blood transfusion. Main outcome measure Estimated intra-operative blood loss. Results Estimated intra-operative blood loss in the study group (189.5 +/- 16.72 ml) was significantly lower than the placebo group (692.25 +/- 89.93 ml) (95% CI 672.54-711.96; P < 0.0001). The need for blood transfusion was significantly lower in the study group. Blood transfusions were required for three (7.5%) women in the study group and 10 (25%) women in the placebo group (95% CI 15.5-34.5; P < 0.001). Conclusions Intra-operative oxytocin infusion appears to be safe and effective in decreasing blood loss during abdominal myomectomy.