Comparison between 200, 400 and 600 microgram rectal misoprostol before cesarian section: A randomized clinical trial

Compare the effectiveness of administration of different doses of rectal misoprostol before cesarean section to reduce intra- and postoperative blood loss.

A double-blind randomized clinical trial including 453 term pregnant woman scheduled for elective cesarean section where participants received either 200-, 400- or 600-μg misoprostol rectally before cesarean section. Study medications were administered after catheter insertion and shortly before skin incision. Primary outcome measures were intraoperative blood loss.

The intraoperative blood loss was higher in patients who received 200-μg misoprostol (464.6 ± 143.1 mL) than those who received 400 or 600 μg, yet, no statistical difference was found between the 400- (359.3 ± 120.9 mL) and 600-μg groups (330.8 ± 133.8 mL). The incidence of side effects as fever and chills increases with increasing the dose of misoprostol.

Rectal administration of misoprostol for the prevention of post-partum hemorrhage and decreasing intraoperative blood loss during caesarian section is a good alternative to other uterotonics. Yet, the best dose to be used needs further research to be agreed upon.