PROSTAGLANDIN F2 ALPHA: AN EFFECTIVE ALTERNATE TO SURGICAL CONTROL OF POSTPARTUM HEMORRHAGE IN UTERINE ATONY

Abstract

Objectives:

To find out the use of Prostaglandin F2 alpha to avoid the surgical control of primary

Material and Methods:

This was a Quasi-Experimental study carried out in obstetrics & gynecology unit

B of Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar from 1st July 2003 – 30th June 2004. 50 patients having primary

post partum hemorrhage due to uterine atony not responding to conventional oxytocics were given systemic

and local prostaglandin F2 alpha. Vital signs, estimated blood loss and effect on uterine muscular tone

were noted before & after prostaglandin F2 alpha. Surgical interventions were used in patients with

continuous profuse vaginal bleeding despite maximum dose of prostaglandin F2 alpha and/ or

hemodynamic instability of the patients. A semi-structured proforma was used to collect the data.

Results:

A total of 44 (88%) patients responded well to the drug. Estimated blood loss before

prostaglandin F2 alpha was 1000 - 4000ml with mean of 2250.00 + 686.98ml as compared to 416.00 +

294.41ml after prostaglandin F2 alpha was used. Side effects of the drug were mostly self limiting and

required symptomatic treatment. No maternal death was recorded.

Conclusion:

Prostaglandin F2 alpha is an effective drug to control Primary post partum hemorrhage due

to uterine atony and avoids surgical interventions in most of the patients. Side effects are minimum, most

of which are self limiting.

postpartum hemorrhage due to uterine atony and the adverse effects associated with prostaglandin F2

alpha.