A randomized control study of sublingual misoprostol versus intramuscular oxytocin for active management of third stage of labour

Objectives: The mean blood loss with sublingual misoprostol was 152.88±61.44ml, average To compare sublingual misoprostol 400 mcg with intramuscular oxytocin 10 IU, in the active management of third stage of labour.
Methods: The study was conducted in Dept of OBG, KIMS Hospital and Research centre for a period of 2 years. 200 women with singleton pregnancy were divided into two groups (100). Group 1- 400 mcg misoprostol sublingually, Group 2- 10 IU of intramuscular oxytocin, was given. Duration of third stage of labour, blood loss, change in Hemoglobin following delivery and the side effects of the drugs were assessed.
Results: Duration of third stage of labour was 5.85±1.85min, fall in Hemoglobin was 0.54±0.23gm/dl .With I.m Oxytocin, it is 190.75±63.95ml, 7.27±2.19min and 0.73±0.28gm/dl respectively (P<0.001**).
Conclusion: Sublingual misoprostol was effective in active management of third stage of labour and can be used in rural areas with low resource settings.