The Online journal of current clinical trials
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Online J Curr Clin Trials · Aug 1993
Review Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialThe Salford Third Stage Trial. Oxytocin plus ergometrine versus oxytocin alone in the active management of the third stage of labor.
To compare oxytocin plus ergometrine against oxytocin alone, when administered as part of the active management of the 3rd stage of labor, in terms of postpartum hemorrhage and manual removal of the placenta. ⋯ Judged on the basis of this trial alone, oxytocin plus ergometrine is more effective than oxytocin alone in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage. However, evidence from other trials shows that the ergometrine component not uncommonly has side effects of nausea, vomiting, and raised blood pressure. The implications for practice therefore depend on the relative weights placed on these competing risks by women and clinicians. Further research is needed to quantify these along with research into possible differential effects on longer-term outcomes and into the implications of a higher dose of oxytocin.