Evaluation of the efficacy of postpartum 24 hour oxytocin infusion to reduce blood loss in patients with pre-eclampsia (PE)

The overall goal of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of postpartum 24 hour oxytocin infusion as a prevention-oriented strategy to reduce blood loss in patients with pre-eclampsia (PE) in a blinded, placebo controlled, randomized controlled trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. vaginal or cesarean delivery at a gestational age greater than or equal to 20 weeks gestational age;
2. diagnosis of preeclampsia (PE defined using standard definitions based on the ACOG bulletin and the NIH Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy (i.e., a systolic blood pressure greater than 140 mm Hg or a diastolic blood pressure greater than 90 mm Hg on at least 2 occasions at least 6 hours apart after 20 weeks gestation and proteinuria of > 300mg per 24 hour period or > 1+ on dipstick).
3. patients treated with magnesium sulfate for 24 hours post partum at 2g/hr (standard of care when deemed appropriate by clinician for seizure prophylaxis)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. abnormal placentation (previa, accreta, etc)
2. antenatal hemorrhage
3. contraindication to oxytocin