Sublingual nitroglycerin for management of retained placenta.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of sublingual nitroglycerin for management of retained placenta and to assess possible adverse effects of the treatment.

METHOD: Twenty-four women were randomly selected to receive either 1 mg nitroglycerin or placebo tablets sublingually if intravenous oxytocin and controlled umbilical cord traction had failed to expel the placenta. Success rate for delivery of placenta, blood pressure, pulse rate, blood loss, and various side effects were examined.

RESULT: All 12 women in the nitroglycerin group had successful delivery of placenta, while removal of placenta was successful in only one of the 12 women in the placebo group. No adverse effects of clinical importance were registered.

CONCLUSION

Sublingual nitroglycerin for treatment of retained placenta seems to be effective without causing serious adverse effects. However, the definite clinical value needs to be evaluated in larger series of patients.