ABSTRACT
Objective: We aimed to compare the haemodynamic effects of carbetocin and oxytocin in preventing postpartum hemorrhage during cesarean delivery. Material and Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively in a university hospital. Women in the carbetocin group (n=42) and women in the oxytocin group (n=78) were evaluated in terms of changes in hemoglobin level, hematocrit level, uterotonic need, urine output, blood transfusion requirement, hospital stay, postoperative fever and need for peripartum hysterectomy. Results: There was not statistically significant difference between their additional uterotonic need but preoperative and postoperative 24th hour hemoglobin reduction, calculated estimated blood loss and platelet count diminution percentage were significantly lower in the carbetocin group compared to oxytocin group (p=0.044; p=0.042; p=0.004, respectively). Besides that, the rate of blood loss of ≥500 mL was lower but not significantly different in patients receiving carbetocin compared to those using oxytocin (p=0.059) and the duration to reach 1,500 cc urine output of carbetocin group was significantly lower than the oxytocin group (p=0.001). Conclusion: Carbetocin appears to be more effective in the hemoglobin reduction, platelet reduction and calculated estimated blood loss. In addition, another advantage of carbetocin is that it has lower negative effects on urine output than oxytocin. It is noteworthy that carbetocin administration can prevent postpartum hemorrhage in appropriate cases.