Effects of oxytocin in different solutions on cord plasma bilirubin levels: systematic review

OBJECTIVE To identify the effects of oxytocin in different solutions on cord plasma bilirubin levels. METHODS We searched systematically for studies through PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, Trip Database and Google Scholar as well as hand-searching to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the cord plasma bilirubin levels of solutions of oxytocin infusion in 5% glucose in water and in 0.9% NaCl solution as the primary outcome. The secondary outcomes included their effects on neonatal plasma bilirubin levels day 2-3 and cord plasma sodium levels. RESULTS We identified and included two RCTs with 269 full-term pregnant women with singleton pregnancy. Cord plasma bilirubin levels was not significantly different between using oxytocin in either 5% glucose in water or 0.9% NaCl solution (mean difference (MD), -0.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) [-0.52 to 0.46], I2=93%). Neonatal plasma bilirubin levels in day 2-3 was also not significantly different between using oxytocin in either 5% glucose in water or 0.9% NaCl solution (MD, 0.27; 95% CI, [-1.59 to 2.13], I2=97%). Cord plasma sodium levels of using oxytocin in 5% glucose in water was significantly lower than that of in 0.9% NaCl solution group (MD, -2.00; 95% CI, [-3.57 to -0.44], I2=95%). CONCLUSION There was no statistically significant difference in cord plasma bilirubin levels between using oxytocin in 5% glucose in water and in 0.9% NaCl solution.