Does carbetocin for prevention of postpartum haemorrhage at caesarean section provide clinical or financial benefit compared with oxytocin?

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2011 Nov;31(8):732-9. doi: 10.3109/01443615.2011.595982.

Abstract

Postpartum haemorrhage is a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. A recent Cochrane review of carbetocin (long-acting oxytocin analogue) concluded that its use decreased additional uterotonic requirements, however, no included studies compared its use against intravenous bolus oxytocin. The majority of studies of carbetocin have considered its use in vaginal delivery; no studies have examined the economic implications of its use. This study describes a clinical and financial evaluation undertaken at a United Kingdom District General Hospital surrounding the introduction of carbetocin for prophylaxis against postpartum haemorrhage at caesarean deliveries. A range of clinical outcomes were observed including frequency of postpartum haemorrhage, estimated blood loss, transfusion requirements, change in haemoglobin or haemodynamics, use of additional uterotonics and perioperative recovery. Finally, a composite financial analysis was performed. No clinically significant benefit was found, however associated costs increased by £18.52/patient.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cesarean Section / economics*
  • Cesarean Section / mortality*
  • Female
  • Health Care Costs / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Morbidity
  • Oxytocics / economics
  • Oxytocics / therapeutic use
  • Oxytocin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Oxytocin / economics
  • Oxytocin / therapeutic use
  • Postpartum Hemorrhage* / economics
  • Postpartum Hemorrhage* / mortality
  • Postpartum Hemorrhage* / prevention & control
  • Pregnancy
  • United Kingdom / epidemiology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Oxytocics
  • Oxytocin
  • carbetocin