Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to P G Seaton.
As part of a prospective study concerning the cause of neonatal jaundice, information relating to obstetric practice over a 10 year period (1977 to 1987) in the New England area of Australia was collected. The data reveal certain trends over the decade and provide baseline data for obstetricians practising in a provincial setting.
A prospective study of 1977 babies, delivered in two district hospitals in the Northern Tablelands area of New South Wales, revealed a highly significant relationship between neonatal jaundice and birth weight in all cases of neonatal jaundice (P = 0.0001). The use of oxytocin was associated with a significant increase in the incidence of jaundice (all cases, P = 0.003; severely jaundiced babies, P = 0.05). This effect was related to the total dose of oxytocin used (P = 0.003 for all cases; P = 0.056 for severely jaundiced babies), but not to its rate of administration. No significant difference was apparent whether oxytocin was administered to initiate or to accelerate labour. The suggestion that oxytocin use is associated with delivery of immature babies is refuted. The use of analgesic agents during labour was not associated with an increased incidence of neonatal jaundice.