Open AccessHaemodynamic Effects of Oxytocin (Syntocinon®) and Methyl Ergometrine (Methergin®) on the Systemic and Pulmonary Circulations of Pregnant Anaesthetized Women
Author(s) -
Secher N. J.,
Arnsbo P.,
Wallin L.
Publication year - 1978
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016347809155884
Subject(s) - medicine , anesthesia , cardiac output , vascular resistance , pulmonary wedge pressure , hemodynamics , blood pressure , stroke volume , bolus (digestion) , mean arterial pressure , ergometrine , heart rate , cardiology
. The haemodynamic effects of oxytocin (Syntocinon®) and methyl ergometrin (Methergin®) were studied in 9 healthy females in the first trimester of pregnancy. The patients were anaesthetized with sodium thiomebumal, pethidine and pancuronium bromide and ventilated on a Manley respirator. 10 i.u. oxytocin given as an i.v. bolus brought about a fall in femoral arterial pressure of 40%, systemic resistance 59% and pulmonary resistance 44% 30 sec after injection. However, the heart rate increased 31% and stroke volume 17%, so that the cardiac output increased by 54%. The pulmonary arterial pressure and wedge pressure were increased by 33% and 35%, respectively 150 sec after injection. No changes were seen in the haemodynamic parameters during infusion of 80 mU oxytocin for 10 min. 0.2 mg Methergin brought about an increase in the femoral arterial pressure of 11 %, pulmonary arterial pressure 27% and wedge pressure 31%, with no changes in the other measured parameters. The use of oxytocic drugs in patients with compromised circulation is discussed.