Comparison of Cervical Length Measured by Transvaginal Ultrasonography and Bishop Score in Predicting Response to Labor Induction

Background

This study aims to compare the value of the Bishop score and cervical length measurement by transvaginal ultrasonography in predicting active labor within 6 h, induction-to-delivery interval, and the duration of active labor and to estimate the most useful cutoff points for the two methods.

Methods

This is a prospective comparative study of Bishop score and cervical length measured by transvaginal sonography on 62 nulliparous subjects who underwent induction of labor.

Results

The Bishop score of the subjects ranged from two to seven (2–7). The mean Bishop in this study population was 4.37 + 1.23. The mean cervical length in this study was 25.59 + 6.07. Bishop score was highly significant (P value < 0.0001) in predicting active phase of labor as compared to cervical length (P = 0.004). The best cutoff value for Bishop score to predict induction of labor within 6 h was more than 4 with sensitivity of 69% and specificity of 79%. Similarly, best cutoff value for cervical length to predict induction of labor within 6 h was less than or equal to 25 mm with sensitivity of 51% and specificity of 70%. Bishop score was more significant (P = 0.001) in predicting induction-to-delivery interval within 12 h as compared to cervical length (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

The Bishop score was superior in predicting the response to induction as compared to the cervical length measured by transvaginal ultrasonography.

     

Sonographic cervical length as a predictor of type of delivery after induced labor

Purpose

This study was undertaken to evaluate the comparative value of sonographic cervical length and the Bishop score in predicting the type of delivery after induced labor.

Methods

The Bishop score was determined by digital examination and cervical length by transvaginal sonography in 177 women.

Results

The best cut-off points for predicting type of delivery found with ROC curves were 25.2?mm for cervical length and 5 for the Bishop score. The Bishop score was not predictive of type of delivery. Cervical length was related to type of delivery in women with Bishop score ≤5. A logistic regression model showed that only cervical length ≥25.2?mm, parity, and body mass index significantly predicted the likelihood of cesarean delivery.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that both Bishop score and sonographic cervical length can contribute to predicting type of delivery after labor induction, but cervical length is a better predictor of the risk of cesarean delivery.     

Association and risk factors between induction of labor and cesarean section

Abstract

Objective: To determine risk factors and to quantify the risk of cesarean section (CS) associated with labor induction.

Method: A prospective controlled study of women admitted for labor induction with PGE2 in a single tertiary medical center. Outcome was compared with women who presented with spontaneous onset of delivery.

Results: The induction group were characterized by a higher body mass index (BMI), lower Bishop score and a higher cervical length at presentation compared with controls. Labor induction with PGE2 was associated with increased risk of CS (14.8% versus 4.5%, p?=?0.02). This association persists after adjustment for potential confounders including Bishop score at presentation (OR?=?2.9, 95% CI 1.03–11.8). The risk of CS was especially high for nulliparous (24.4% versus 5.1%, p?=?0.02), overweight (21.2% versus 3.7%, p?=?0.047), induction at <40 weeks of gestation (22.2% versus 2.2%, p?=?0.004), in Bishop score <4 (18.2% versus 4.5%, p?=?0.03), cervical length >25?mm (19.2% versus 4.5%, p?=?0.005), or intact membranes (25.0% versus 4.5%, p?=?0.02) at presentation.

Conclusions: Labor induction with PGE2 is associated with increased risk of CS. These data should be taken into consideration when deciding on labor induction, especially in the absence of clear medical indication.     

Comparison of ultrasonographic cervical length and the Bishop score in predicting successful labor induction

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the performance of the Bishop score and transvaginal ultrasonography to predict successful labor induction, and to estimate the most useful cut-off points for the two methods. METHODS: The five components of the Bishop score were assessed by digital examination and cervical length was measured by transvaginal ultrasonography in 177 women with a single pregnancy, 36-42 weeks of gestation, and a live fetus in cephalic presentation before induction of labor. RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis showed that the Bishop score, cervical length, and parity provided independent contribution in the prediction of the likelihood of delivering vaginally within 60 h. The only component of the Bishop score that was independently predictive of the probability of vaginal delivery within 60 h was station. The best cut-off points for predicting successful induction using receiver operating characteristic curves were 24 mm for cervical length and 4 for the Bishop score. Cervical length was a better predictor than the Bishop score (sensitivity and specificity of 66 and 77% versus 77 and 56%, respectively). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that cervical length was the best discriminator of successful induction. CONCLUSION: Measurement of cervical length by transvaginal ultrasonography is a better predictor of success in labor induction with both topical prostaglandin and oxytocin.     

Transvaginal ultrasonographic cervical measurement as a predictor of successful labor induction

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to compare transvaginal cervical measurement and the Bishop score as indicators of duration of labor and successful induction of labor at term.Study Design: This prospective observational study recruited women with singleton gestations scheduled for induction of labor at > or =37 weeks. Transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of cervical length was performed and the Bishop score was determined, each by operators masked to the other measurement. Data were collected on parity, gestational age, mode of delivery, induction agent, induction-to-delivery interval, Bishop score, and cervical length measurement. RESULTS: A total of 77 women were analyzed. Vaginal delivery occurred in 69%. Both Bishop score and cervical length showed linear correlation with duration of labor (R(2) = 0.43, P <. 001; R(2) = 0.48, P <.001; respectively). Women with cervical length <3.0 cm had shorter labors (P <.001) and were more likely to be delivered vaginally (P <.001). Women with a Bishop score >4 also had shorter labors and were more likely to be delivered vaginally, with similar P values. A logistic regression model identified cervical length and parity as the only independent predictors of vaginal delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Both ultrasonographically measured cervical length and Bishop score predict duration of labor and likelihood of vaginal delivery. However, only cervical length and parity were independent predictors of mode of delivery.     

Transvaginal ultrasonography of the uterine cervix before induction of labor]

OBJECTIVE: To compare the Bishop score and transvaginal ultrasonographic measurement of cervical length for predicting the mode of delivery following medically indicated induction of labor in term patients. METHOD: The study was conducted prospectively among 134 women who required medically indicated induction of labor. Inclusion criteria were singleton pregnancy, gestational age > or = 37 weeks of amenorrhea, cephalic presentation, and intact fetal membranes. Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed for measurement of the cervical length but the patients were managed without considering this parameter. A receiver-operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine the best cut-of value of cervical length for predicting the risk of cesarean section following induction of labor. RESULTS: Thirty six patients (26.9%) underwent cesarean section and cervical dilatation at time of the cesarean section was < 8 cm in 25 cases. The Bishop score was not predictive for the mode of delivery in this study. In contrast, the cesarean section rate was significantly lower in women with a uterine cervix < 26 mm (18.9 vs 36.6%, p = 0.02). Moreover, the difference has concerned only the cesarean sections performed before 8 cm dilatation (9.5 vs 30.0%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: Cervical length measured with transvaginal ultrasonography is a better predictor than the Bishop score for predicting the risk of cesarean section following medically indicated induction of labor.     

Can measurement of cervical length,fetal head position and posterior cervical angle be an alternative method to Bishop score in the prediction of successful labor induction?

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate sonographic cervical length, posterior cervical angle and fetal head position in predicting successful induction of labor at term can be an alternative method to Bishop score.

Methods: This prospective observational study recruited 223 women with singleton gestations scheduled for induction of labor at 37–42 weeks. Parity, body mass index, Bishop score, fetal head position, cervical angle measurement and cervical length was investigated to predict successful labor induction. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the parameters in the prediction of successful vaginal delivery within 24 hours.

Results: Forty-five patients were excluded because of cesarean section performed for other reasons than arrest of dilation or fetal head descent (43 fetal distress, 2 cord prolapsus). Remaining 178 patients were divided into two groups according to duration of delivery time. 139 patients delivered within 24 hours were classified as group I, 39 patients delivered after 24 hours were classified as group II. Percentage of multiparity was statistically significantly higher in group I than in group II [59 (42.4%), 9 (23.0%) respectively, p?=?0.009]. Cervical length was statistically significantly shorter in group I than in group II [23.1?±?7.42?mm, 31.3?±?6.83?mm respectively, p?<?0.001]. Bishop score was statistically significantly higher in group I than in group II [3 (1–4), 1 (1–4) respectively, p?<?0.001]. Posterior cervical angle was statistically significantly higher in group I than in group II [100.1?±?17.2, 92.7?±?21.4 respectively, p?=?0.007]. According to the fetal head position, there was no statistically significant difference in labor duration between the groups (p?=?0.787). In the multivariate regression analysis of variables, multiparity, cervical length and Bishop score were statistically significantly predictive in successful labor induction.

Conclusion: Multiparity status, cervical length, posterior cervical angle and Bishop score can predict successful labor induction, but fetal head position is not predictive in successful labor induction.     

Maturation cervicale à terme par utilisation répétée du dispositif intravaginal de dinoprostone

ObjectivesTo evaluate efficacy and safety of cervical ripening with repeated administration of dinoprostone slow release vaginal pessary (Propess^®) in current practice.Patients and methodsAn observational study of 111 women who underwent cervical ripening with two Propess^® during the study period from 1st July 2007 to 31st October 2011. Modes of delivery, success of cervical ripening, failure of labor induction, maternal and neonatal morbidity were reported.ResultsThe nulliparous rate was 75,7%. The main indications for induction of labor were post-term pregnancy in 34,3% (38/111) and premature rupture of membranes in 25,2% (28/111). The rate of vaginal delivery was 53,1% (59/111). Cesarean sections were performed for failure of labor induction in 27/52 (51,9%) and an abnormal fetal heart rate in 17/52 (32.7%). Indication for induction of labor, nulliparous patients (44 [84.6%] versus 40 [67.8%]; P = 0.04), initial Bishop score (2.2 ± 1.2 versus 2.9 ± 1.2; P = 0.04) before the cervical ripening and Bishop score before administration of second Propess^® (3.3 ± 1.4 versus 4.0 ± 1.2; P = 0.05) were significant risk factors of cesarean delivery.Discussion and conclusionIn more than half of the cases, the cervical ripening by two Propess^® is efficient and allows a vaginal delivery. This practice does not appear to increase the maternal or neonatal morbidity.     

Variables that predict the success of labor induction

BACKGROUND. To analyze the clinical and sonographic variables that affect the success of labor induction. METHODS. Bishop score, cervical length, and parity were studied in 196 pregnant women in the prediction of successful vaginal delivery within 24 hr of induction. Logistic regression and segmentation analysis were performed. RESULTS. Cervical length [odds ratio (OR) 1.089, P<0.001], Bishop score (OR 0.751, P=0.001), and parity (OR 6.85, P<0.001) predict the success of labor induction. The best cut-off points for cervical length were <16.5, 16.5--27, and >27 mm (P=0.0016). In the analysis of the Bishop score, we also obtained three discriminatory points, 0, 1--4, and >4 (P=0.0006), that best predict the labor induction. Finally, in a global analysis of the variables studied, the best statistic sequence that predicts the labor induction was found when we introduced parity in the first place. The success of labor induction in nulliparous was 50.77 and 83.33% in multiparous (P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS. Cervical length, Bishop score, and parity predict the success of labor induction.     

阴道超声及细胞因子预测宫颈成熟度和临产时间的初步探讨

目的　探讨阴道超声、细胞因子———白细胞介素 (IL) 6、8及人绒毛膜促性腺激素 (hCG)对足月妊娠宫颈成熟度、临产时间的预测价值。方法　检测 79例足月初产妇宫颈阴道分泌液IL 6、IL 8及hCG水平 ;通过阴道超声测量孕妇宫颈长度、宫颈内口楔形区宽度、前羊膜囊长度 ;同时进行宫颈Bishop评分。结果　 (1)IL 6、IL 8、hCG临产后水平 [分别为 (782± 5 0 8)ng/L、(10 5 3 9± 8680 )ng/L、(114± 86)IU/L]较临产前 [分别为 (15 5± 75 )ng/L、(7113± 60 5 0 )ng/L、(3 5± 2 1)IU/L]显著升高 ,差异有极显著性 (P <0 0 5 )。 (2 )IL 6、IL 8、hCG、宫颈长度、前羊膜囊长度均与宫颈Bishop评分显著相关(r=0 42、0 2 4、0 44、- 0 5 6、0 3 5 ,P <0 0 5 )。 (3 )IL 6、IL 8、宫颈长度、前羊膜囊长度、宫颈Bishop评分均与临产时间显著相关 (r=- 0 42、- 0 46、0 64、- 0 5 2、- 0 41,P <0 0 1) ;且均能预测 1周内临产 ,其中宫颈长度的预测效果最好。宫颈长度≤ 3 0mm者 ,预测其在 1周内分娩的灵敏度、特异度、阳性预测值、阴性预测值分别为 0 83、0 89、0 91、0 81。 (4)多因素分析显示 :阴道超声测量宫颈长度 ,预测宫颈成熟度和临产时间的价值优于其他指标。结论　孕妇宫颈阴道分泌液IL 6、     

Comparison of pre-induction ultrasonographic cervical length and Bishop score in predicting risk of cesarean section after labor induction with prostaglandins

OBJECTIVE: To compare pre-induction ultrasonographic cervical length and Bishop score in predicting risk of caesarean section after labor induction with prostaglandins. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Assessment of the Bishop score and measurement of the cervical length by transvaginal sonography were performed by two operators, blinded to each other's results among women with singleton pregnancies at between 34(+0) - 41(+3) weeks of gestation requiring induction of labor with prostaglandins for medical indications. Fisher's exact test and regression logistic models were used for statistics analysis. In order to measure the strength of the association between ultrasonographic cervical length or Bishop score on one hand, and the caesarean sections rate (global or for failed induction or failure to progress) on the other hand, we computed odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Among the 266 patients included in the study, multivariate analysis has shown that only Bishop score was predictive for the global caesarean section risk (OR [95% CI] 0.63 [0.45-0.87] ; P =0.005). However, neither Bishop score (OR [95% CI] 0.68 [0.42-1.09] ; P =0.11), nor ultrasonographic cervical length (OR [95% CI] 1.01 [0.95-1.08] ; P =0.59) was predictive for failed induction or failure to progress caesarean section risk. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The Bishop score appears to be a better predictor of the global caesarean section risk than ultrasonographic cervical length after induction of labor for medical reasons.     

The use of sonographic cervical length assessment for the prediction of time from induction to delivery

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the role of trans-vaginal cervical length measurement in the prediction of the interval to successful vaginal delivery after induction of labor with balloon catheter.

Methods: In this prospective study of cervical length measurement before induction of labor, singleton pregnancies that underwent induction of labor between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation were included. The data collected included trans-vaginal sonographic cervical measurements followed by digital cervical assessment. Bishop score was used to quantify digital assessment (before induction of labor).

Results: During the study period, 71 patients were included in the study. A statistically significant linear correlation was found between sonographic cervical length prior to induction of labor and the time of delivery (Pearson correlation 0.335; p values 0.005). Of the 57 vaginal deliveries, 27 patients had a cervical length of less than 28?mm. Patients with a cervical length of less than 28?mm had a significantly shorter time to delivery compared to patients with more than 28?mm length (20.4 versus 28.7, respectively; p value?=?0.019). Cervical length of 28?mm remained significantly correlated even after performing several logistic regression models in order to control for confounders such as parity and age. In addition, a correlation was found between Bishop scores of above 7 to the time to delivery.

Conclusions: Cervical length is correlated linearly to the time interval between induction of labor and delivery. A cervical length of less than 28?mm was found to be statistically significant in predicting a shorter time to delivery.     

Sonographic cervical length measurement before labor induction in term nulliparous women

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine if transvaginal sonographic measurement of the cervical length is a useful method to predict successful labor induction in nulliparas. METHODS: 137 women who were scheduled for medically indicated induction of labor had a transvaginal sonographic measurement of the cervical length before labor induction. Inclusion criteria were: (1) singleton pregnancy; (2) gestational age between 37-42 weeks; (3) live fetus in cephalic presentation; (4) intact membranes; (5) no vaginal bleeding; (6) no previous history of uterine surgery; (7) nulliparous women, and (8) no allergy or asthma in response to prostaglandins. Induction of labor was performed within 6 h of the ultrasonographic examination, by inserting 2 mg of dinoprostone in the posterior vaginal fornix, repeated if needed every 6 h for up to three doses. When the cervix became favorable and no regular contractions were observed, amniotomy and oxytocin augmentation, starting at 1 mIU/min and increasing 1 mIU every 30 min as necessary, was performed. RESULTS: All women were Caucasians and the mean age was 24.3 years (range 19-37 years). The mean cervical length was 28 mm (range 11-39 mm). The Bishop score was < or =5 in 101 women and >5 in the 36 others. Vaginal delivery occurred in 92 women (67.1%), and the vast majority of them (89 women; 96.7%) gave birth within 24 h of induction. Forty-five women (32.8%) had a cesarean section. The Bishop score was not predictive of the mode of delivery. Thirty-six of 101 women (35.6%) with a Bishop score < or =5 delivered by cesarean section, compared to 9 of 36 women with a Bishop score >5 (25%) (p = NS). Women with a cervical length <27 mm were more likely to deliver vaginally. Using this cutoff value the sensitivity of a successful labor induction was 76% and the specificity was 75.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal sonographic measurement of cervical length is a good predictor of a successful labor induction at term in nulliparas.     

The degree of cervical length shortening as a predictor of successful or failed labor induction

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether the degree of cervical length change was associated with successful cervical dilatation during labor induction.Materials and methodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of a prospective observational study of term singleton pregnant women who underwent labor inductions. Cases of Cesarean section due to fetal distress or maternal request during the first stage of labor were excluded. The enrolled women were categorized into two groups according to achievement of full cervical dilatation. The cervical length near induction and cervical length shortening over the last four weeks of pregnancy were compared between the two groups. A receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the screening performance for failed cervical dilatation during labor induction.ResultsA total of 165 women were enrolled for the final analysis; of these, 145 (87.9%) women reached the second stage of labor and 20 (12.1%) women failed to achieve full cervical dilatation. Women who failed to achieve full cervical dilatation had a significantly longer cervical length near induction and less cervical length change over previous four weeks compared with women who achieved full cervical dilatation (P = 0.018 and 0.005, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that cervical length >29 mm (odds ratios [OR], 4.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.290–13.374, P = 0.017) and cervical length shortening ≦ 6 mm (OR, 5.87; 95% CI, 1.552–22.271, P = 0.009) were significantly associated with failed cervical dilatation after adjusting for birthweight and previous history of vaginal delivery. Cervical length shortening alone provided a better prediction of failed cervical dilatation than the combination of cervical length and shortening (sensitivity, 76.9%; specificity, 63.8%).ConclusionThe probability of failed cervical dilatation during labor induction was significantly increased in cases when the cervical length was greater than 29 mm near induction or when the cervical length shortening was less than 6 mm over the last four weeks.     

No association of <Emphasis Type="Italic">TAP1</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">TAP2</Emphasis> genes polymorphism with risk of cervical cancer in north Indian population

Background  Transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP), a member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter super family, is composed of two integral membrane proteins, TAP-1 and TAP-2. The TAP gene product is involved in the processing of endogenous peptides that bind to MHC class I molecules. Mutations and/or polymorphism within these genes could alter the efficacy of the immune response which might be relevant for the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Methods  DNA was isolated from peripheral blood sample of 200 patients with cervical cancer and 200 healthy controls. TAP1 and TAP2 allele polymorphism were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Result  Significant protective OR (OR = 0.22 95% CI = 0.09–0.51, P < 0.001-OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.24–0.92, P = 0.02) was observed for GG and combined AG+GG genotypes of TAP2 in patients with SCC respectively. Similarly, such genotypes (GG, AG+GG) appeared same OR for patient with cervical cancer in study group (OR = 0.12, 95% CI = 0.04–0.39-P < 0.001-OR = 0.5 ,95% CI = 0.25–0.95-P = 0.03). There was decrease risk of cervical cancer in user of oral contraceptive with AG and GG genotypes of TAP2 (OR = 0.55, 95% Cl = 0.41–0.73, P = 0.002, OR = 0.09, 95% CI = 0.02–0.36, P < 0.001) respectively. In case of TAP1 gene all allelic polymorphisms showed a decrease OR in patients with cervical cancer in passive smokers and user of oral contraceptives, though, no significant Conclusion  Thus, TAP1 and TAP2 genes polymorphism are not linked to cervical carcinoma, since no association was found between a particular genotype and the disease.     

The labor induction: integrated clinical and sonographic variables that predict the outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical and sonographic variables that predicts the success of labor induction. STUDY DESIGN: We studied the Bishop score, cervical length and parity in 196 pregnant women in the prediction of successful vaginal delivery within 24 h of induction. Logistic regression and segmentation analysis were performed. RESULTS: Cervical length (odds ratio (OR) 1.089, P<0.001), Bishop score (OR 0.751, P=0.001) and parity (OR 4.7, P<0.001) predict the success of labor induction. In a global analysis of the variables studied, the best statistic sequence that predicts the labor induction was found when we introduced parity in the first place. The success of labor induction in nulliparous was 50.8 and 83.3% in multiparous women (P=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Cervical length, Bishop score and parity, integrated in a flow chart, provide independent prediction of vaginal delivery within 24 h of induction.     

Cervical ripening before medical induction of labor: a comparison of prostaglandin E, estradiol, and oxytocin

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of oxytocin, prostaglandin, E² intracervical gel, and estradiol cream for ripening the very unfavorable cervix in patients requiring induction of labor at term.Study design: This prospective, randomized study was conducted in a population of women with a very unfavorable cervix (Bishop score <4) requiring induction of labor. The patients received prostaglandin E² gel (0.5 mg) intravervically (three doses 6 hours apart), 4 mg estradiol cream in the anterior fornix of the vagina (three doses 6 hours apart), or oxytocin at induction per protocol with an infusion pump.Results: Ninety-nine women were recruited into this trial and evenly distributed among the three groups. The demongraphics of maternal age, race, parity, gestational age, initial Bishop score, and indication for induction were similar among the groups. The incidence of cesarean deliveries was similar in the three groups with approximately 59% of pregnancies delivered abdominally. For patients undergoing abdominal delivery the maximum cervical dilatation among the oxytocin, estradiol, and prostaglandin E² groups was similar (3.90 = 3.02 cm, 3.63 ± 2.79 cm, and 4.65 ± 2.78 cm, respectively; p > 0.05). For all patients birth weight and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 minutes were comparable across all regimens (p > 0.05). In the subset of patients delivered vaginally patients receiving oxytocin for cervical ripening had the greatest improvement on Bishop score over baseline (p = 0.023) with an improvement of 7.08 ± 2.42.Conclusion: No differences were detected among prostaglandin E₂ gel, estrogen, and oxytocin in relation to cervical ripening in patients with an unfavorable cervix at term who require an induction of labor. Patients with a very unfavorable cervix at term who require delivery may benefit from serial ripening and inductions.     

Pre-induction sonographic assessment of the cervix in the prediction of successful induction of labour in nulliparous women

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of ultrasonographic cervical assessment with Bishop score before induction of labour in predicting the success of labour induction in nulliparous women. METHODS: This is a prospective study conducted in 138 women who underwent cervical assessment with transvaginal sonography followed by digital cervical assessment using Bishop score before induction of labour. Ultrasonographic parameters evaluated were cervical length, posterior cervical angle and funnelling were blinded to the managing physicians. Statistical analysis was carried out using Mann-Whitney test, chi2 test, receiver operating characteristics curves and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Induction of labour was successful in 106 (76.8%) of the women. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated cervical length and posterior cervical angle assessed by transvaginal sonography as independent predictors of successful outcome after induction of labour. Neither Bishop score nor its individual parameters were found to be significant in the regression analysis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for cervical length and posterior cervical angle was greater than that of the Bishop score in predicting a successful labour induction. The best cut-off point for the parameters in receiver operating characteristics curve was 3.0 cm for cervical length and 100 degrees for posterior cervical angle. Cervical length of 3.0 cm had a sensitivity of 84.9%, and a specificity of 90.6% and a posterior cervical angle of 100 degrees with 65% and 72%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Transvaginal sonographic assessment of cervical length and posterior cervical angle is better than conventional Bishop score in predicting successful labour induction in nulliparous women.     

Evaluation of isosorbide mononitrate for cervical ripening prior to induction of labor for postdated pregnancy in an outpatient setting

ObjectiveTo determine the safety and effectiveness of self-administered treatment with isosorbide mononitrate (IMN) for cervical ripening in Indian women with postdated pregnancies.MethodsA randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted with 200 women with postdated pregnancies and unfavorable cervices who self-administered vaginally either 2 40-mg tablets of IMN or 2 40-mg tablets of pyridoxine as placebo prior to admission for induction of labor. The main outcome variables were change in Bishop score, time from admission to delivery, and presence or absence of fetal and maternal morbidity.ResultsThe Bishop score was significantly improved 24 hours after initiation of the outpatient IMN treatment (P < 0.001) and the needs for further cervical ripening and oxytocin infusion were less in the study than in the control group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.008). The time from admission to delivery was also less (P < 0.001). Moreover, the IMN treatment had no major adverse maternal or fetal effects. The vast majority of women in both groups were either satisfied or very satisfied with the outpatient treatment.ConclusionThe self-administration, at home, of isosorbide mononitrate leads to a safe and effective cervical ripening prior to labor induction in women with postdated pregnancies.CTRI Registration No.: CTRI/2011/091/000121     

Digital and transvaginal ultrasound cervical assessment for prediction of successful labor induction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the values of preinduction transvaginal cervical length measurements and Bishop score to predict successful labor induction. METHODS: A prospective, observational trial of nulliparous women undergoing labor induction. Inclusion criteria were gestational age between 36 and 42 weeks, singleton cephalic presentation of the fetus, and intact membranes. Preinduction cervical ripening was performed using 25 microg intravaginal misoprostol (PGE1), repeated every 4 h, up to a maximum of 3 doses. Induction was subsequently continued by oxytocin and amniotomy. RESULTS: A total of 43 women met the inclusion criteria. Mean preinduction cervical length for women with successful or failed labor induction was 26 mm (95% Confidence interval [CI], 27-32) and 34 mm (95% CI, 33-38), respectively (P=0.002). Mean Bishop scores for successful and failed induction groups were 5.4 (95% CI, 5.2-6.2) and 3.1 (95% CI, 2.8-3.5), respectively (P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Digital examination and transvaginal ultrasound of the cervix predict successful labor induction with reasonable accuracy.