Cardiac Effects of Oxytocin Administrated During Cesarean Section, Signs of Myocardial Ischemia

Oxytocin has cardio vascular effects as hypotension, tachycardia and possibly coronary spasm. The uterotonic effect of the drug is used during cesarean section, to minimize blood loss.ECG changes suggestive of cardiac ischemia (ST depression) has been showed in previous studies of patients undergoing cesarean section i regional anaesthesia. The effect of oxytocin on this outcome has not been investigated to any extent. In the current study, we tested the hypothesis that there was no difference in occurrence of ECG changes (ST segment depression) between two doses of oxytocin. Participants were randomized to receive either 5 or 10 units of oxytocin in a double blinded fashion. Main outcome measure is occurrence of significant ST depression on ECG. Secondary outcome measures are mean arterial pressure, heart rate, blood loss, symptoms as chest pain, shortness of breath and feeling of heaviness on the chest.