“EVALUATING CARBETOCIN FOR POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE PREVENTION: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY FROM NORTHEAST INDIA”.

Abstract

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Carbetocin, a long-acting oxytocin analogue, has been proposed as a superior uterotonic agent for PPH prevention.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of carbetocin administration on postpartum hemorrhage prevention in women undergoing vaginal delivery at a tertiary care facility.

Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 80 women who received carbetocin prophylaxis. Demographic data, haemoglobin levels, blood loss at defined intervals, incidence of PPH, need for supplementary uterotonics, and adverse events were recorded.

Results: The mean age of participants was 25.7 years, with 62.5% aged 21–25 years. The mean gestational age was 270 days.  Mean blood loss was 302.25 mL at 30 minutes, 317 mL at 1 hour, and 337.6 mL at 2 hours, all below the diagnostic threshold for PPH. The incidence of PPH was limited to 2.5%, and supplementary uterotonics were required in only 2.5% of cases. Haemoglobin concentration declined modestly from 11.66 g/dL pre-delivery to 11.17 g/dL post‑delivery, corresponding to a mean reduction of 0.49 g/dL. No blood transfusions were administered. The adverse event profile was favourable: nausea and vomiting occurred in 10% of participants, while 90% reported no adverse effects.

Conclusion: Carbetocin demonstrated high efficacy in reducing blood loss, minimising haemoglobin decline, and lowering PPH incidence, with a favourable safety profile. Its sustained uterotonic activity reduced reliance on adjunct therapy, underscoring its potential role in routine obstetric practice for PPH prevention.