Shravage 2007.
| Methods | RCT. Randomisation was by computer‐generated table. | |
| Participants | 200 women (100 in each group) with spontaneous normal vaginal delivery. Exclusions were preterm, multiples, anaemia (Hb < 7 g/dl), polyhydramnios, large baby, APH, induction, instrumental delivery and known coagulation disorders. Only vaginal normal birth. |
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| Interventions | Immediate clamping and division of the cord for both groups. Cord unclamped and drained immediately after cutting in study group. In the control group, the placental end of cut umbilical cord remained clamped. Controlled cord traction after signs of separation and IV Methergin after delivery of placenta in both groups. | |
| Outcomes | Mean duration of the third stage of labour (minutes). Average blood loss, excluding episiotomy loss. Incidence of PPH. Number of cases who required additional uterotonic drugs (oxytocin or Prostadin). Number of retained placenta (none in each group). Blood transfusion (none required). | |
| Notes | Blood loss was objectively measured. Blood loss from episiotomy excluded. Women were randomised after the second stage of labour. Poor reporting style, it is assumed that there were 100 women in each arm although the article does not specify the number of participants in each group and no withdrawal is reported. Table 1 is missing. | |
| Risk of bias | ||
| Bias | Authors' judgement | Support for judgement |
| Random sequence generation (selection bias) | Low risk | Randomisation by computer‐generated table. |
| Allocation concealment (selection bias) | Unclear risk | This is not explained in the text, probably not. |
| Blinding (performance bias and detection bias) All outcomes | Unclear risk | No indication of blinding the participants or the clinicians, more likely not blinded. |
| Incomplete outcome data (attrition bias) All outcomes | Unclear risk | There does seem to be a full compliance. |
| Selective reporting (reporting bias) | Low risk | |
| Other bias | Unclear risk | Table 1 is missing, which may indicate limitation in quality standards. |
APH: antepartum haemorrhage CCT: controlled cord traction CS: caesarean section Hb: haemoglobin IM: intramuscular IV: intravenous PIH: pregnancy induced hypertension PPH: postpartum haemorrhage