Intravenous use of oxytocin (pitocin) for induction of labor.

The extent to which oxytocin is being used to initiate or stimulate uterine contractions in labor was investigated by analyzing certain information on birth and fetal death certificates in New York City. Of 165,150 live births in 1955, 7,694 (4.7%) were induced with intravenously given oxytocin. In 1956 the over-all reported incidence rose to 5.0%. Three case-histories are given to illustrate the irrational use of this drug. The data showed that its use was influenced by the season of the year and by the socioeconomic status of the patient and that in cesarean sections and breech deliveries the prior use of oxytocin increased the infant mortality.

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