The effect of an oxytocin washout period on blood loss at cesarean delivery

Objectives: Prolonged oxytocin exposure may result in increased blood loss during delivery. Our objective was to determine whether an oxytocin rest period before cesarean delivery had an impact on blood loss. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent primary cesarean delivery after oxytocin augmentation. The primary outcome was change between pre- and postoperative hematocrit (Hct) in women with less than 60-min oxytocin rest period (<60 min) and greater than 60-min rest period (>60 min). Results: There was no difference in demographic characteristics (age, BMI, or gestational age at delivery) between the two groups. Women in the >60 min group had a higher cumulative dose and longer duration of oxytocin administration. There was no significant difference in change in Hct between the two groups when controlling for these factors. Conclusions: We did not find a significant correlation betweenthe duration of the oxytocinrest period and blood loss. Oxytocin washout periods of greater than 60 min may not result in decreased blood loss at cesarean delivery, and thus, womenmay not benefit from such oxytocinwashout periods.