A comparative study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two different doses of oxytocin boluses in elective caesarean sections.

Oxytocin is givento women during Caesarean section to decrease the blood loss and to preventpostpartum bleeding which is one of the major causes of maternal deaths all overthe world. Bolusdosing of oxytocin during C-section might lead to some hemodynamic variations such ashypotension and tachycardia, ST segment depression in ECG independent ofanesthesia and Cardiovascular collapse. Other adverse effects are waterretention, hyponatraemia, nausea and vomiting, feeling of warmth,palpitations, flushing, nasal congestion, xerostomia, metallic taste, headache,shivering and pruritus. 

Administeringthe appropriate amount of oxytocin maximizes its benefits and minimizes itsside effects. Thebolus causes detachment of placenta by constricting venous sinuses as well ashomeostasis of placental bed, in contrast the infusion sustains the contractionof uterusduring the surgical procedure and the postpartum period that follows. But repetitive doses of oxytocin to attainadequate uterine contractility in elective caesarean section needs to bere-evaluated, because they have significant adverseeffects when given as a rapid high-dose bolus.

Hencethe optimal dose of oxytocin in caesarean section is not clear. Thus,this study will be carried out to compare the efficacy & safety of twodifferent bolus doses of oxytocin in terms of adequate Uterine Tone, hemodynamiceffects and adverse effects during caesarean delivery.