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Updated: May 21, 2026

Comprehensive Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Safety of Placenta-Targeted Drug Delivery Using Three Complementary Methods
Published on: September 10, 2018
Nitroglycerin for management of retained placenta: a multicenter study.
Maria Bullarbo1, Hans Bokström, Håkan Lilja
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Södra Älvsborg Hospital, 501 82 Borås, Sweden.
Sequential oxytocin and nitroglycerin for retained placenta showed a trend toward effectiveness, especially with prior clinical experience. No significant adverse effects were observed in this study.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Retained placenta is a significant obstetric complication.
- Current management often involves uterotonics like oxytocin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of sequential oxytocin and nitroglycerin for retained placenta management.
- To assess adverse effects of nitroglycerin in this context.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 105 women with retained placenta.
- Sublingual nitroglycerin or placebo administered after initial oxytocin failure.
- Comparison of outcomes between nitroglycerin and placebo groups, with analysis stratified by prior clinical experience.
Main Results:
- A higher, though not statistically significant, success rate for placental detachment in the nitroglycerin group (37.3%) versus placebo (20.4%).
- In hospitals with prior experience, nitroglycerin success rate was 47.4% compared to 15.0% for placebo.
- No clinically significant adverse effects of nitroglycerin were reported.
Conclusions:
- Sequential oxytocin and nitroglycerin may offer a potential benefit for retained placenta, particularly with clinical experience.
- Further research with experienced clinicians is warranted to confirm efficacy and optimize use.
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