Ann Womens Health | Volume 3, Issue 1 | Research Article | Open Access

Intravenous Oxytocin and Misoprostol Equally Effective in Managing Uterine Atony Induced Postpartum Hemorrhage among Delivery Mothers: A Two-Year Case Series in Freetown, Sierra Leone

Jia Bainga Kangbai*

Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Njala University, Sierra Leone

*Correspondance to: Jia Bainga Kangbai 

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Abstract

Background: Sierra Leone has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Postpartum hemorrhage is one of the common causes of maternal deaths in developing countries.
Methods: We analysed the medical records of mothers who developed postpartum hemorrhage following delivery at the Rokupa Government Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone during the period of 1st January 2017 to the 31st December 2018. We reviewed the sociodemographic characteristics and medical features associated with postpartum hemorrhage and the management of PPH.
Results: There were 2,236 deliveries during the period under review of which 0.89% (20/2236) resulted into the postpartum hemorrhage. The mean age of PPH patients was 25.4 years (Standard deviation =6.4 years). Misoprostol (n=5, 50%, X2 =15.143, df=18, p-value=0.6521) and oxytocin (n=5, 50%, X2 =15.143, df=18, p-value =0.6521) administered via intravenously were the most common methods used to manage postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine atony.
Conclusion: Our findings are different from similar studies in which most cases were either referred from homes, clinics, primary or tertiary care hospitals. We are calling for the adoption of the administration of intravenous oxytocin or misoprostol as part of a national algorithm for the management of postpartum hemorrhage in Sierra Leone.

Keywords:

Postpartum hemorrhage; Misoprostol; Uterine atony

Citation:

Kangbai JB. Intravenous Oxytocin and Misoprostol Equally Effective in Managing Uterine Atony Induced Postpartum Hemorrhage among Delivery Mothers: A Two-Year Case Series in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Ann Womens Health. 2019; 3(1): 1014.

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