Carbetocin at Elective Cesarean Delivery

Overview

Post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal death worldwide. Oxytocin is the most commonly uterotonic drug used to prevent and treat PPH in North America, however, there are some limitations to its use. Oxytocin has a very short duration of action, which requires a continuous infusion to achieve sustained uterotonic activity. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) has recently recommended a single 100mcg dose of carbetocin at elective Cesarean delivery to promote uterine contraction and prevent post partum hemorrhage (PPH), in lieu of the more traditional oxytocin regimens. Carbetocin lasts 4 to 7 times longer than oxytocin, with a similar side effect profile and apparent greater efficacy rate. However, a dose response to determine the minimum effective dose of carbetocin has not yet been published. We hypothesize that a dose-response study will establish the minimum dose of carbetocin required to produce appropriate contractility in 95% of the women (ED95) undergoing elective cesarean delivery.

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC)recently recommended a 100mcg intravenous bolus dose of carbetocin following Cesarean delivery. However, a dose response study to determine the minimum effective dose of carbetocin has not yet been published. Studies thus far show that carbetocin may be just as effective as oxytocin in promoting uterine contraction, with a similar side effects profile. In addition, patients receiving carbetocin may experience less blood loss, and require less additional uterotonics when compared with oxytocin. The results of this study will define the minimum required dose of carbetocin for uterine contraction, thus minimizing unnecessary side effects, improving quality and safety of patient care. It may also contribute in establishing carbetocin as a substitute to oxytocin for elective cesarean section at our institution as well as others.