Association between prophylactic oxytocin use during dilation and evacuation and estimated blood loss

Some providers use oxytocin during dilation and evacuation (D&E) to prevent or treat hemorrhage, although evidence to support this is scarce. We sought to describe the association between prophylactic oxytocin use, estimated blood loss (EBL), and surgical outcomes during D&E.

We performed a chart review of 730 women at 14 to 26 weeks' gestation who had a D&E at our institution between May 2010 and May 2014 to assess the association between prophylactic oxytocin use and EBL. We determined whether sociodemographic and health-related factors were associated with excessive blood loss (EBL≥250 mL) and whether oxytocin use was associated with complications, including hemorrhage (i.e., EBL≥500 mL or interventions for bleeding). We performed univariate analyses and multivariable regression models to evaluate the relationship between health-related factors and EBL≥250 mL.

Providers used prophylactic oxytocin in 59.9% of procedures. Asian (p=.005 and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (p=.005) race, nulliparity (p=.007) and higher gestational age (p<.001) were associated with prophylactic oxytocin use. We found no difference in mean EBL (116.2±105.5 mL versus 130.7±125.5 mL, p=.09), EBL≥250 mL (31.4% vs. 68.6%, p=.15) or complications (6.1% vs. 7.1%, p=.73) including hemorrhage (1.4% vs. 5.3%, p=.14) between those who did not receive prophylactic oxytocin and those who did. No transfusions occurred in either group. In multivariable regression modeling, the adjusted OR for excessive blood loss was 0.42 (95% confidence interval 0.16-1.07) with prophylactic oxytocin use.

Prophylactic oxytocin use during D&E was not associated with hemorrhage or transfusion in our population.

Routine use of interventions for bleeding, such as intravenous oxytocin, should be based on scientific evidence or not performed. Findings from our study provide information on how oxytocin use is associated with blood loss during D&E.