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By WINNIE ATIENO
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The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved a new formulation of a drug that can be used to prevent excessive bleeding in women after childbirth
It is said that a new drug, thermostable carbetocin, is as safe and effective as oxytocin to prevent postpartum hemorrhage. According to the WHO, the drug will save thousands of lives, more so mothers in low- and middle-income countries. Currently, the only medicine of choice recommended by the WHO to prevent bleeding is oxytocin.
However, oxytocin must be stored and transported between two and eight degrees Celsius, which is very difficult in many countries.
Doctors fear that oxytocin is sometimes less effective because of exposure to heat.
But the new formulation does not require refrigeration. It retains its effectiveness for at least three years, stored at 30 degrees Celsius and 75% relative humidity. A study conducted by WHO in collaboration with MSD for Mothers and Ferring Pharmaceuticals compared a novel formulation of thermostable carbetocin to oxytocin.
"It's a truly encouraging new development that can revolutionize our ability to keep mothers and babies alive." said the Director General of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. About 130,000 women die each year in the world because of postpartum hemorrhage.
The study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that the new drug is equivalent to the standard treatment of oxytocin for the prevention of blood loss. At least 500 ml
We have had problems with oxytocin because of the storage factor, but we are happy that new drugs are coming in, "said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. -a killer of women in maternity wards, killing an estimated 130,000 women each year, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. More than half of these deaths occur within 24 hours after delivery.
About 130,000 women die each year in the world because of postpartum hemorrhage.
Bleeding is caused by a placenta that is not expelled after birth. uterus fails to contract after delivery.
It is defined as a blood loss of 500 ml or more within 24 hours after delivery. Blood loss above 1000ml in the same amount of time is considered more severe. Each pregnancy increases the risk of a mother, especially if she does not have access to health care.
The confidential survey on maternal deaths published earlier this month shows that postpartum haemorrhage accounts for 34% of maternal mortality in Kenya, followed by preeclampsia. eclampsia (19%) and unsafe abortion (9%).
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