Obstetric outcomes in oxytocin-related and spontaneous deliveries – analysis of 2198 cases

Abstract

Abstract Aim: The aim of the work was to compare labour courses, ways of delivery, condition of the newborns in spontaneous and oxytocin-related labours and to analyse the indications for oxytocin administration. Material and methods: 2198 full-term deliveries (pregnant women qualified for elective caesarean section were excluded from the study) at the Provincial Hospital in PrzemyEl, Poland. Study group: labours with the adjunctive oxytocin infusion – 1102 women. Control group: spontaneous labours (without oxytocin administration) – 1096women. The analysis of the compatibility of measured traits was carried out by the Chi2 test, p<0.05 was assumed as statistically significant level. Results: I. Indications for the oxytocin administration: secondary hypokinetic contractions of the uterus (642 labours – 58,25%), premature rupture of membranes (176 labours – 15.97 %). II. Deliveries by caesarean section: 1. study group -– 187 women (16.97%). 2. control group – 97 women (8.85%). Chi2=32.192; df=1; p=0.0000. III. Newborns after vaginal labours scored 7 or below according to the Apgar in the first minute after the delivery: 1. study group – 35 newborns (8.7%); 2. control group – 18 newborns (1.8%) chi2=5.493; df=1; p=0.0190. IV. Newborns hospitalised for over 48 hours: 1.study group – 346 (31.39%); 2. control group – 216 newborns (19.70%). Chi2=39.454; df=1; p=0.0000. Conclusions: 1. Hypokinetic uterine contractions were the most frequent indication for oxytocin administration during labour. 2. Oxytocin administration increases twice the risk of delivery by the caesarean section. 3. Newborns after vaginal oxytocin-related labours scored 7 or below on the Apgar score in the first minute after the birth when compared to the newborns after spontaneous labour. 4. Oxytocin administration during parturition elongates the time of newborns hospitalisation