Stop using rectal misoprostol for the treatment of postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine atony
For women who experience a postpartum hemorrhage, and already have received oxytocin as part of routine obstetric care, prioritize the use of parenteral uterotonics, including oxytocin, methylergonovine, and carboprost tromethamine, and avoid the use of rectal misoprostol
Prioritize oxytocin, methergine, and carboprost tromethamineWhen treating PPH, administration of oxytocin, methylergonovine, or carboprost tromethamine rapidly provides therapeutic concentration of medication. For oxytocin, 40 U in 1 L, administered at a rate sufficient to control atony, or 10 U IM injection are often effective in controlling bleeding due to atony. Carboprost tromethamine 0.25 mg administered intramuscularly every 15 minutes up to 8 doses provides an excellent second-line agent. Carboprost tromethamine is contraindicated for women with asthma.
Methylergonovine 0.2 mg administered intramuscularly only can be given every 2 to 4 hours. Consequently, because time is of the essence in managing a severe PPH, it is unusual to be able to administer more than one dose of the agent during the course of treatment. Methylergonovine is contraindicated for women with hypertension.
There is scant evidence that misoprostol is more effective than oxytocin, and misoprostol clearly causes a higher rate of elevated temperature than any of the parenteral uterotonic agents. In your practice stop using rectal misoprostol for the treatment of PPH caused by uterine atony, and prioritize the use of parenteral uterotonics.
,
Share your thoughts! Send your Letter to the Editor to rbarbieri@frontlinemedcom.com. Please include your name and the city and state in which you practice.
