Table 1 Published studies evaluating doses of oxytocin (syntocinon)
Author, citation | Study design | Exposures | Outcome measures | Results | Conclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sarna MC et al Anesth Analg 1997 84:753–6. | RCT 40 women Elective CS/regional | Oxytocin after cord clamping 5 IU vs 10 IU vs 15 IU vs 20 IU | Linear analogue of uterine tone EBL ΔHCT (pre-op/post-op) | No difference in any outcomes | No benefit in doses exceeding 5 IU |
Zarzur Anesth Analg 1998 86:1334. | Dose-finding 20 women Elective CS | Oxytocin dosing | Uterine contractility Side effects | 3 IU oxytocin Satisfactory No side effects | Low dose 3 IU sufficient |
Carvalho JC et al Obstet Gynecol 2004 104:1005–10. | Dose-finding RCT single blind 40 women Elective CS/regional | Titrating increments of 0.5 IU oxytocin bolus Infusion 2.4 IU/hr | Minimum effective dose ED Uterine contraction EBL (calculated) | ED90 at 0.35 IU 100% at 1.0 IU | Low dose bolus < 5 IU effective |
Balki M et al Obstet Gynecol 2006 107:45–50. | Dose-finding RCT single blind 30 women CS for labor arrest | Titrating increments of 0.5 IU oxytocin bolus Infusion 2.4 IU/hr | Minimum effective dose ED Uterine contraction EBL (calculated) | ED90 at 3.0 IU | Much higher dose than for elective CS Suggest alternative agent for non-elective |