Sublingual misoprostol is as effective as intravenous oxytocin to reduce intra-operative blood loss during cesarean delivery in women living at high altitude.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of sublingual misoprostol compared to intravenous oxytocin for blood loss during cesarean delivery in women living at high altitude.

STUDY DESIGN: In a randomized trial, conducted in Quito, Ecuador (2800 m above sea level), 100 women received either sublingual misoprostol (400 µg) or intravenous oxytocin (10 IU).

RESULTS: Bleeding in the misoprostol was no different than in the oxytocin group. Shivering was reported in 66% of women in the misoprostol group.

CONCLUSION: Sublingual misoprostol might be a valid alternative to oxytocin reduce intra-operative blood loss during cesarean section in women living at high altitude.