EFFECT OF POTASSIUM BICARBONATE ON DYSTOCIA

ABSTRACT

 Obstructed labor, also known as obstructive labor, is a public health problem and a leading cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in developing countries. This is because endometrial acidosis inhibits Ca2+ and thus leads to weaker and less effective contractions during labor. The incidence of difficult labor is not well known because there is no consensus on the normal duration of labor. However, dystocia remains an undiagnosed area. This study was performed on 50 rats to determine the effect of sodium bicarbonate on endometrial acidosis. Rats were divided into five groups, with four in the group being treated with nifedipine, nifedipine alone and oxytocin alone, 5% potassium bicarbonate and 5% potassium bicarbonate alone, and nifedipine alone. The mean value of arterial acidity (PCO2) was recorded as 42.00 ± 1.00 for the control group, 37.50 ± 2.00 for nifedipine, 37.00 ± 2.00 for nifedipine and oxytocin, 31.00 ± 1.00 for potassium bicarbonate and 42.50 ± 2.50 for potassium bicarbonate and nifedipine groups. While for blood pH, the mean value was recorded as 7.37 ± 0.005 for the control group, 7.56 ± 0.045 for nifedipine, 7.52 ± 0.085 for nifedipine and oxytocin, 7.82 ± 2. 0.015 for potassium bicarbonate and 7.38 ± 0.065 for potassium bicarbonate and nifedipine groups. In the study group, only the potassium bicarbonate and nifedipine group showed an increase in arterial blood PCO2 and a decrease in arterial blood pH, whereas 5% potassium bicarbonate showed a decrease in arterial blood PCO2. and increases the pH in the arterial blood. Blood PCO2 and pH showed significant differences (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that 5% potassium bicarbonate may be effective in reducing uterine acidosis that causes difficult labor.