Clinical and financial evaluation of carbetocin as postpartum haemorrhage prophylaxis at caesarean section: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: The long-acting oxytocic agent; carbetocin, has been consistently shown to reduce the need for additional uterotonics at caesarean section, but not postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). While promising, current evidence is limited by heterogenicity in study design and findings.

Aims: To examine whether carbetocin confers clinical or economic benefit compared to oxytocin at caesarean section in an all-risk Australian population.

Timing of elective pre-labour caesarean section: A decision analysis.

Background: Since caesarean sections (CSs) before 39  weeks gestation are associated with higher rates of neonatal respiratory morbidity, it is recommended to delay elective CSs until 39  weeks. However, this bears the risk of earlier spontaneous labour resulting in unplanned CSs, which has workforce and resource implications, specifically in smaller obstetric units.

Aim: To assess, in a policy of elective CSs from 39  weeks onward, the number of unplanned CSs to prevent one neonate with respiratory complications, as compared to early elective CS.