Route of postpartum oxytocin administration and maternal hemoglobin decline - A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Oxytocin uterotonic agents are routinely administered during the third stage of labor, however, the administration route is varying, intravenously or intramuscularly. We aimed to compare the effect of different regimens of postpartum oxytocin administration on hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) decline.

Methods: A randomized, 3-arm study of women who delivered vaginally at term in a single tertiary medical center was conducted.

Is the ratio of maternal serum to amniotic fluid AFP superior to serum levels as a predictor of pregnancy complications?

Purpose: The use of maternal serum alpha fetoprotein (MSAFP) levels as a predictor of pregnancy complications (PC) is well established. We hypothesized that the ratio between the MSAFP/AFAFP levels (RATIO) will more accurately predict PC than MSAFP levels alone.

Methods: Women who had a MSAFP test followed by amniocentesis were divided into two groups: those who had PC comprised the study group and those who had an uneventful pregnancy served as the control group.