Carbetocin Is More Effective in Stabilizing Hemodynamic Parameters Compared to Oxytocin During Cesarean Section

Background/Objectives: First-line uterotonics include carbetocin and oxytocin, which act on the oxytocin receptor with varying potencies. Methods: In 70 pregnant Caucasian women who delivered by cesarean section, the effects of oxytocin and carbetocin on heart rate and blood pressure were compared. The pregnant women were divided into two groups: the OXY group, which received intravenous oxytocin 5 IU on an even day of the month, and the CARBE group, which received intravenous carbetocin 100 mu g on an odd day of the month. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured noninvasively every 3 min from the beginning of cesarean section until the lower uterine incision, and then at 1, 2, and 3 min after the fetus and placenta were removed and the uterotonic drugs were discontinued. Subsequent measurements were taken at 3 min intervals until the end of the cesarean procedure. Results: After the administration of uterotonic drugs, a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure was observed only in the group receiving oxytocin at the first (p < 0.0001) and second minute after drug administration (p < 0.0001). Diastolic arterial pressure was significantly different in the study groups at the sixth minute after oxytocin and carbetocin administration (p = 0.004). Mean arterial pressure values were significantly different in the two study groups at the first and sixth minute after drug administration (p = 0.006; p = 0.014). With regard to heart rate, significant differences between the groups were found at 6 min after uterotonic drug administration (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Blood pressure and heart rate variability are significantly higher after oxytocin than after carbetocin administration in women delivering by cesarean section.