Carbetocin vs. Oxytocin Plus Misoprostol Compared for Cesarean Blood Loss Prevention

Preventing excessive blood loss during and after cesarean section is critical to maternal health, with postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remaining a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current standard-of-care often involves uterotonics like oxytocin to stimulate uterine contractions and minimize bleeding. However, oxytocin's short half-life necessitates continuous infusion, and its efficacy can be limited in some cases. Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 analog, is another uterotonic often used adjunctively. Carbetocin, a long-acting oxytocin analog, offers potential advantages due to its extended effect, potentially simplifying administration and improving outcomes.

This clinical trial aims to compare the efficacy of carbetocin versus oxytocin plus misoprostol in reducing intraoperative blood loss. The study design involves women undergoing planned cesarean sections, randomized into two groups. One group receives carbetocin, while the other receives oxytocin plus misoprostol. The primary endpoint is the estimated blood loss during the surgical procedure. The trial seeks to determine if carbetocin is non-inferior or superior to the combination therapy in preventing excessive bleeding.

This abstract describes the study's aim and design but does not present any results or findings. Therefore, no specific data on the comparative efficacy or safety of carbetocin versus oxytocin plus misoprostol in reducing blood loss during cesarean section can be reported from this record. The study's main question, regarding whether carbetocin is as effective as the combination therapy, remains unanswered by the provided information.