Abstract:
Introduction: Effects of 40mg of Hyoscine butylbromide (HBB) in reducing duration of active phase of labor are well
documented. However effects of 60mg have not been well studied despite the fact that it is often used.
Objectives: To compare the effect of 60mg and 40mg of HBB on the duration of labor.
Materials and Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out at Moi Teaching and Referral
Hospital from January to April 2014. At the onset of active phase of labor (4–5 cm) they were randomized into two arms. Those
in the control arm received 40mg of HBB intravenously while those in the study arm received 60mg. Information on progress of
labor; mode of delivery, amount of blood loss and neonatal APGAR scores was recorded.
Results: A total of 114 primigravid women were recruited into the study and randomized into the control arm (n=59) and study
arm (n=55). The 40mg and 60mg arms were comparable for socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics. Injection to delivery
time was 340 (223–483) minutes in the 40mg arm and 305 (253–475) minutes in the 60mg arm, a difference that is not
statistically significant (p=0.905). Seven (12 %) and five (9 %) of patients in the 40mg and 60mg arm respectively needed
delivery via caesarean section (p=0.602). 5 minute APGAR scores were 9.7 in the 40mg arm and 9.8 in the 60mg arm (p=0.727.
Estimated blood loss was 300mls in the 60mg arm and 350mls in the 40mg arm (p=0.152).
Conclusion: Head to head, 60mg of parenteral HBB is not superior to 40mg on their effects on duration of labor and feto-
maternal outcomes.
