Effect of saline and glucose infusions of oxytocin on neonatal bilirubin levels

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the effect of isotonic saline and glucose infusions of oxytocin on neonatal bilirubin levels. METHOD: Eighty-two parturient Nigerian women requiring oxytocin infusion in labor were randomized into two groups receiving 0.9% saline or 5% glucose, respectively. A group of 82 women not requiring oxytocin were recruited for comparison. All had sodium and bilirubin estimations in cord plasma and neonatal bilirubin assay on Day 3. RESULT: Analysis of variance revealed higher mean cord and neonatal bilirubin levels in the glucose group compared with the other two (P < 0.05). Significant inverse correlation was observed between cord plasma sodium and neonatal bilirubin levels in all groups. Hyperbilirubinemia occurred in 55% of babies in the glucose group compared with 21% and 22% in the saline and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of isotonic saline rather than 5% glucose solution as vehicle for oxytocin infusion in labor appears to be associated with lower neonatal bilirubin levels.