Association of Oxytocin-Augmented Labor with Neonatal Jaundice Requiring Phototherapy: A Comparative Study

Neonatal jaundice is a dangerous illness that, if left untreated, can lead to deadly consequences. Oxytocin seems to have a dose-dependent influence on elevated plasma bilirubin levels in cord blood, which are likely exacerbated by the breakdown of fetal red blood cells. Objectives: To determine the frequency of patients who undergo labour augmentation with the use of oxytocin and to compare the frequency of neonatal jaundice among the gravid female who labor with and without oxytocin augmentation. Methods: This analytical cohort study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sughra Shafi Medical Complex, Narowal from 01-07-2021 to 31-12-2021. A total of 186 gravid females were included in this study. These patients were divided into two groups: Group A (augmentation with oxytocin, n=30) and Group B (spontaneous labour without oxytocin augmentation, n=156). Neonatal jaundice was assessed based on serum bilirubin levels and whether phototherapy was required. Data were analyzed using SPSS-25, with descriptive statistics and relevant comparisons between the groups. Results: The mean age of the participants was 26.9 ± 4.3 years. There were 56 primigravida (30.1%) and 130 multigravidas (69.9%). Neonatal jaundice requiring phototherapy occurred in 40% of neonates in Group A and in 19.2% in Group B. Conclusions: It was concluded that when maternal oxytocin is used to induce labor, newborn jaundice is more likely to occur and phototherapy is more frequently required. It is advisable to consider careful oxytocin dosing to avoid the risk of hyperbilirubinemia.