Prostaglandins for Postpartum Hemorrhage: Pharmacology, Application, and Current Opinion.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a common cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Medical intervention plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of PPH. Prostaglandins (PGs) are currently recommended as second-line uterotonics, which are applied in cases of persistent bleeding despite oxytocin treatment.

SUMMARY:

PG agents that are constantly used in clinical practice include carboprost, sulprostone, and misoprostol, representing the analogs of PGF2α, PGE2, and PGE1, respectively. Injectable PGs, when used to treat PPH, are effective in reducing blood loss but probably induce cardiovascular or respiratory side effects. Misoprostol is characterized by oral administration, low cost, stability in storage, broad availability, and minimal side effects. It remains a treatment option for uterine atony in low-resource settings, but its effectiveness as a uterotonic for independent application may be limited. Key Messages: The present review article discusses the physiological roles of various natural PGs, evaluates the existing evidence of PG analogs in the prevention and treatment of PPH, and finally provides a reference to assist obstetricians in selecting appropriate uterotonics.

• Authors: Yue Chen, Wei Jiang, Yunchun Zhao, Dongli Sun, Xiao Zhang, Fan Wu, Caihong Zheng
• Journal: Pharmacology (Pharmacology) Vol. 106 Issue 9-10 Pg. 477-487 ( 2021) ISSN: 1423-0313 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 34237742 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)
• Copyright: © 2021 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Chemical References

• Prostaglandins
• Receptors, Prostaglandin
• Misoprostol
• sulprostone
• Carboprost
• Dinoprostone

Topics

• Carboprost (therapeutic use)
• Dinoprostone (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Drug Administration Routes
• Drug Stability
• Female
• Humans
• Misoprostol (therapeutic use)
• Postpartum Hemorrhage (drug therapy)
• Prostaglandins (administration & dosage, adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Receptors, Prostaglandin (metabolism)
• Uterus (drug effects)