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African health sciences
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The retained placenta is a significant cause of maternal mortality and morbidity throughout the developing world. It complicates 2% of all deliveries and has a case mortality rate of nearly 10% in rural areas. Ultrasound studies have provided fresh insights into the mechanism of the third stage of labour and the aetiology of the retained placenta. ⋯ Despite several placebo controlled trials of this technique, no firm conclusion have been reached regarding its efficacy. This may be due to inadequate delivery of the oxytocin to the placenta. Further trials are in progress to assess the optimal dose of oxytocin as well as the efficacy of a new technique designed to improve delivery of the oxytocin to the placental bed.