Studies on the dose dependent effect of oxytocin in induced labour on neonatal bilirubin level in blood

Abstract

A prospective study in 101 mothers and infants, born in Pramongkutklao Hospital, between October, 1979 through December, 1980; confirmed an association between maternal oxytocin infusion and neonatal bilirubin levels. On the first three days of life, infants whose mother’s labour had been induced by intravenous oxytocin more over 4,000 mU. (subject I group), had mean total bilirubin levels significantly higher than infants whose mother had received oxytocin less than 4,000 mU. (subject II group), and infants whose mother had not received oxytocin infusion (control group). Bilirubin levels in infants of mothers who had received intravenous oxytocin less than 4,000 mU. (subject I group), did not show significantly difference from infants in control group. From the results of this study, raised plasma bilirubin level appeared to be a dose dependent effect of oxytocin. The results of this study suggested that oxytocin in high doses should be used with caution, the benefits obtained from the drug outweigh, the risk of hyperbilirubinemia, jaundice, neurologic signs, brain damage etc., which it may cause, Careful monitoring of the fetus of the mothers receiving oxytocin is essential.