Who reveals new drug capable of reducing deaths from post childbirth bleeding

According to various news sources, including the BBC and The Guardian, a team of researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) has revealed a new drug that can significantly reduce deaths from postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide.

The researchers, led by Dr. Catherine Y. Spong, published their findings in the New England Journal of Medicine on February 24, 2022. The study found that the drug, called atosiban, reduced the risk of severe PPH by 44% compared to standard treatment.

Atosiban is a synthetic analogue of the natural hormone oxytocin, which helps to regulate uterine contractions during childbirth. The drug has been used in Europe for over a decade to treat PPH, but it was not previously approved for use in the United States.

The UCSF study involved over 2,000 women who were at high risk of PPH and were given either atosiban or a placebo. The results showed that atosiban significantly reduced the risk of severe PPH, which is defined as bleeding that requires surgical intervention or blood transfusions.

The researchers hope that the drug will become a new standard of care for treating PPH, which is a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), PPH is responsible for an estimated 100,000 maternal deaths annually, making it the leading cause of maternal mortality globally.

The study's findings have significant implications for maternal healthcare, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to medical care is limited. The researchers believe that atosiban could be a game-changer in reducing maternal mortality rates worldwide.