About this trial
This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of adding preoperative rectal misoprostol to standard oxytocin for reducing intraoperative and postoperative blood loss in women undergoing elective cesarean section. Misoprostol is a prostaglandin E1 analogue that is inexpensive, heat-stable, and effective as a uterotonic agent. The study will compare outcomes between two groups: women receiving oxytocin alone and women receiving oxytocin plus rectal misoprostol. The primary outcome is the reduction of blood loss during and after surgery. Secondary outcomes include changes in hemoglobin levels, need for additional uterotonics, maternal safety, and overall recovery.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Women aged 18-45 years.
Singleton pregnancy at ≥37 weeks of gestation.
Elective cesarean section planned under spinal anesthesia.
Hemodynamically stable prior to surgery.
Disqualifiers
Multiple pregnancy.
Antepartum hemorrhage (e.g., placenta previa, abruption).
Coagulopathy, thrombocytopenia, or anticoagulant therapy.
Severe medical comorbidities (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, cardiac disease, hepatic or renal impairment).
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Oxytocin