Comparison Between the Effect of Oxytocin with Low and High Dosage on Labor Outcome: A Short Report

Oxytocin is one of the most common drugs in obstetrics for induction or augmentation of labor. Recent studies show that oxytocin is used in over 50% of women in labor. This study aimed to compare the effect of high and low doses of oxytocin for labor induction on labor outcome. This single-blind randomized clinical trial was performed on 120 pregnant women who had indications for labor induction. Patients were randomized into two groups of oxytocin regimen: high dose (6 mU/min، n=60) and low dose (2. 5 mU/min، n=60). The groups were compared in terms of labor duration، type of delivery، and the impacts on maternal and neonatal outcome as well as maternal satisfaction with the labor process. Data were analyzed using independent two-sample t-test for quantitative variables and X2 test for categorical variables. Mean duration of first stage of labor in low-dose and high-dose groups were 189. 21 ± 61. 57 and 125. 72 ± 38. 53 min، respectively (p<0. 001). The level of satisfaction was higher among the high-dose group، so much so that 37 (61. 7%) women in high-dose group versus 17 (28. 3%) in low-dose group were satisfied with their labor (p=0. 002). Regarding the trend in reduction of labor time which may lead to decrease in cesarean rate، it seems that administration of higher doses of oxytocin may lead to shorter duration of active phase of labor without any negative neonatal effects.