[Carbetocin use to prevent obstetric hemorrhage]

in Mexico, obstetric hemorrhage and its complications are the second leading cause of maternal death and is the origin of irreversible functional consequences. Carbetocin is a synthetic analogue of oxytocin with an average lifespan four times that of oxytocin and pharmacological effects of 120 minutes produces a tonic contraction which reduces postpartum blood loss.

To evaluate the usefulness of carbetocin to prevent uterine bleeding complications and maternal deaths and assess the benefits, effectiveness and side effects.

Prospective, observational clinical research in two phases, the first from May 2005 to January 2006 with a sample of 40 patients and the second from January to December of 2008 with a sample of 72 patients conducted at the Hospital Materno Infantil Dr. Alberto López Hermosa, San Luis Potosi. All were high-risk pregnancies and medical complications that warranted specialty hospital management. The intervention consisted of applying undiluted single dose of 100 micrograms of intravenous carbetocin at the time of delivery, as prophylaxis in patients with uterine overdistention in the first phase of the study and complicated pregnancies in the second phase.

Were born by caesarean section over 60%. Initially, the hemoglobin showed a reduction of 17% after delivery. Seven patients required blood transfusion (17.5%). In the second phase, 65 patients (90%) did not require transfusion, only 6 patients (8%) required transfusion. No side effects were documented. Uterine overdistension was the main risk factor for bleeding and transfusion.

Carbetocin combines the safety of oxytocin and the strength of the ergonovine preparations. To determine where carbetocin will be situated in the future as an useful oxytocic, it requires more than a simple demonstration of its effectiveness. This should be determined in each clinical situation, with factors such as overdistended uterus, indicating the convenience and economic constraints.