Effectiveness of misoprostol in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage

Aim: to determine the effectiveness of misoprostol through rectal route in the prevention of primary postpartum hemorrhage and determine its therapeutic effect. methods: this randomized controlled trial was carried out in the labour wards nishtar hospital multan from january 2013 to june 2013. two hundred women selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria coming to labour ward with the ascertainment of period of gestation through ultrasonography. two groups were formed by using random number tables. in the case of group a,800 μg of misoprostol p/r was given in addition to oxytocic drugs used routinely while group b was control group. results: out of 200 patients,82% in group-1 and 93% in group had spontaneous labour while 18% in group-a and 7% in group-b had induced labour. episiotomy was performed in 22% patients in group-a and 33% patients in group-b. as regards blood loss,in pph patients 22% in group-a and 18% in group b had blood loss > 500 ml. out of 100 patients,93% in group-a and out of 100 patients,95% in group-b had therapeutic effect of misoprostol. the mean age of the patients was 26.62 ± 0.47 vs. 25.25 ± 0.41 years respectively in group-a and group-b. in group-a 71% and in group-b 75% patients had vaginal delivery. conclusion: misoprostol administration using rectal route,though not statistically significant,is effective as there were fewer side effects.