Background: Postpartum haemorrhage is a major complication at caesarean section. Tranexamic acid and oxytocin infusion have been used for prophylaxis.

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of prophylactic adjunctive use of Tranexamic acid and oxytocin infusion at caesarean section to reduce blood loss.

Method: A randomised study at ABUTH, Zaria, in which 144 women, scheduled for elective or emergency caesarean section at term, were sequentially randomised into two groups of 72 each. The Tranexamic acid group received 1g intravenous and 500ml of Normal saline as placebo while the oxytocin group received placebo and 500ml of Normal saline containing 20IU of oxytocin after delivery of the neonate. Both adjunctive groups received 10IU Oxytocin as part of AMTSL. Trial registry: PACTR 202004568331645. Ethical approval: ABUTHZ/HREC/D37/2018.

Result: There was no significant difference in parity, gestational age and indication for caesarean section in both groups p<0.287, 0.270 and 0.095 respectively. There was no significant difference in primary outcome with mean blood loss 561.06 ± 209.23ml versus 567.78 ± 205.91ml in the Tranexamic acid and oxytocin group respectively, p<0.847. Need for additional uterotonic agent and side effect profile were significantly reduced in the Tranexamic acid group. There was no significant difference in need for blood transfusion and haemodynamic status of parturient in both groups. There was no significant difference in mean blood loss at emergency versus elective caeserean section, 565.83± 205.51ml versus 567.97± 217.42ml respectively, p<0.921.Blood loss in those with 1 previous CS was comparable in both groups 537.75± 209.69ml versus 522.05± 176.43ml respectively, p<0.374, however, for those with 2 or more CS, while there was a clinical (reduction) difference of 80ml in the Tranexamic acid group, it was not statistically significant. 594.55± 0.91ml versus 674.06± 1.99ml respectively, p<0.476.

Conclusion: There is comparative adjunctive efficacy of Tranexamic acid and oxytocin infusion at caesarean section.

Keywords: Caesarean delivery, Oxytocin infusion, Tranexamic acid, Postpartum haemorrhage.

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Gabriel Dogbanya

Dept of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Nigeria