Association between postpartum depression and synthetic oxytocin use for postpartum hemorrhage prevention and treatment

Objective:The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between postpartum synthetic oxytocin administration and the development of depressive and anxiety disorders after delivery.Materiyal and methods: We hypothesized that women exposed to postpartum exogenous oxytocin would have a reduced risk of postpartum depressive and anxiety disorders compared with those without exposure. The cases were examined under two groups as "Oxytocin users" (n = 100) and "Control" (n = 100) groups . Oxytocin group was given introvenous oxytocin just after the delivery for postpartum hemorrhage prevention and treatment. Questionnaires of depression and maternal anxiety were performed at the sixth week after the delivery. Results: The incidence of depression (4%) in the oxytocin group was significantly lower than the control group (14%) (p: 0.026, p <0.05). Patients who do not use oxytocin have a 3.9-fold greater risk of developing depression. We identified a relationship between using oxytocin for postpartum hemorragie and decreased postpartum depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Our findings suggest using exogenous oxytocin may contribute to postpartum symptoms of depression and anxiety among women. Future research should watch the longitudinal role of exogenous oxytocin in maternal mood and anxiety, the safety of high-dose long-term use of oxytocin.