This study compares two community-level strategies: selective administration of 800 mcg sublingual misoprostol to women at 350 mL blood loss for secondary prevention of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) with universal use of 600 mcg oral misoprostol at the time of delivery for primary prevention of PPH. The study hypothesizes that at community-level births, secondary prevention for women is non-inferior (based on clinical parameters) to universal prophylaxis provided to women for primary prevention of PPH. This cluster-design non-inferiority trial has the potential to inform service delivery programs on clinical outcomes, program feasibility, cost and acceptability of two different community models of PPH care using misoprostol.
Rationale for Research: There is an absence of concrete data on the programmatic and cost-effectiveness of different service delivery models for prevention and treatment of postpartum hemorrhage with misoprostol, prompting a discussion of whether resources are best spent on misoprostol for primary prevention at lower levels (with treatment carried out at higher levels via referral) or whether immediate proactive treatment strategies should be considered. As the training and policy implications of universal prevention versus selective treatment approaches vary, simple and effective service delivery models are urgently needed to help governments and organizations decide how to best focus their limited resources. This study proposes to study the efficacy of a hybrid strategy (i.e., secondary prevention) that combines elements of prevention and treatment. Results of this study could provide a new model of care that will medicate fewer women, save costs and address the clinical conundrum of guessing at the safety of administering a prevention dose of misoprostol followed quickly by a larger treatment dose. Study design: This randomized cluster trial will recruit women with deliveries attended by auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) that occur at homes or at health sub-centers. ANMs will be randomized to administer the intervention as described in the primary or secondary prevention arm.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
3,032
Selective administration of 800 mcg sublingual misoprostol to women with at least 350 mL blood loss within 1 hour following delivery
Universal administration of 600 mcg oral misoprostol given to all women within 5 minutes of delivery of the baby
Deliveries at health sub-centers and homes
Vijayapura, Karnataka, India
Proportion of women with post-delivery hemoglobin ≤ 7.8 gm/dL
A 20% rate of post delivery Hb ≤7.8 gm/dL in the study arm with women receiving selective administration of 800 mcg sublingual misoprostol is non-inferior to a 13% rate of post delivery Hb ≤ 7.8 gm/dL in the study arm with women receiving universal 600 mcg oral misoprostol prophylaxis.
Time frame: 72 hours (plus or minus 8 hours) after delivery
Rate of transfer to referral facilities for PPH
Proportion of women who are transferred from the location of delivery to higher level of care because the birth attendent diagnosed or suspected PPH.
Time frame: within 72 hours (plus or minus 8 hours) after delivery
Rate of PPH
Proportion of women with 500 mL-999 mL blood loss following delivery, as measured by a calibrated blood collection drape.
Time frame: within 1 hour after delivery
Rate of severe PPH
Proportion of women with \> 1000 mL blood loss following delivery, as measured by a calibrated blood collection drape.
Time frame: within 1 hour after delivery
Rate of adverse events
Adverse events include prolonged hospitalization, permanent or serious disability, additional threat to life, or death.
Time frame: Within 72 hours (plus or minus 8 hours) after delivery
Mean blood loss
Blood loss will be measured using a blood collection drape, calibrated at 50 mL intervals.
Time frame: 1 hour after delivery
Rate of additional interventions needed to control bleeding
Addtional interventions include administration of other uterotonics (e.g., oxytocin), IV fluids, comprehensive emergency obstetric care, blood transfusion and surgery
Time frame: within 72 hours (plus or minus 8 hours) after delivery
Cost-effectiveness
The cost-effectiveness of the two interventions will be compared. The cost-effectiveness measure will utilize information collected on cost of the study drug, materials used to control bleeding, and the cost of transfer and subsequent care received by women who are in in need of higher level care.
Time frame: 72 hours (plus or minus 8 hours) after delivery
Proportion of women reporting known side effects of misoprostol
Recognized side-effects of misoprostol include: Shivering, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Rare side effects include: abdominal pain from uterine cramping, seizures and palpitations (only with overdosing). All women in both study arms, including those in the secondary prevention arm who do not receive the study drug, will be asked if they experienced any of these symptoms.
Time frame: 1 hour after delivery
Acceptability of intervention to women
A brief exit interview will be conducted with participants to assess their acceptability of the intervention, including tolerability of any side effects experienced.
Time frame: 72 hours (plus or minus 8 hours) after delivery
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