Comparison of the safety and efficacy of intravaginal misoprostol (prostaglandin E1 ) with those of dinoprostone (prostaglandin E2 ) for cervical ripening and induction of labor in a community hospital

Objective: This clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of intravaginal misoprostol (prostaglandin E₁ ) and compared it with that of dinoprostone (prostaglandin E₂ ) for cervical ripening and induction of labor in a community hospital. Study Design: This study involved a retrospective analysis of 81 patients undergoing cervical ripening and induction of labor with prostaglandin E₂ from May 1, 1996, to May 1, 1997. A comparison prospective analysis of 145 patients undergoing the same procedure with prostaglandin E₁ from May 1, 1997 to May 1, 1998, was performed. Results: The mean time to delivery was significantly shorter with misoprostol (19.8 ± 10.4 hours) than with prostaglandin E₂ (31.3 ± 13.0 hours, P < .001). Delivery within 24 hours of induction was significantly more frequent with misoprostol (71.9% of subjects vs 31.3%, P < .001). There was no difference in the cesarean delivery rate with misoprostol (25.6% vs 22.2%, P < .67). The incidence of uterine hyperstimulation was higher with prostaglandin E₂ (7.4% vs 0.7%, P < .007). There were no uterine ruptures with prostaglandin E₂ . There were 2 uterine ruptures and 1 dehiscence with prostaglandin E₁ in 3 patients with previous cesarean deliveries and 1 rupture in a patient without a history of uterine scarring. There was no difference in neonatal outcome, with the exception of a fetal death related to uterine rupture in the misoprostol group. Conclusions: Compared with prostaglandin E₂ , misoprostol is more effective in cervical ripening and induction of labor, is as safe for patients who do not have a history of cesarean birth, may carry a higher incidence of uterine rupture, and should not be used for patients attempting vaginal birth after previous cesarean delivery. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1551-9.)     

Uterine rupture associated with misoprostol labor induction in women with previous cesarean delivery

OBJECTIVE: To review our experience with uterine rupture in patients undergoing a trial of labor with a history of previous cesarean delivery in which labor was induced with misoprostol. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was used to select patients who underwent induction of labor with misoprostol during the period from February 1999 to June 2002. Women with a history of cesarean delivery were retrospectively compared with those without uterine scarring. RESULTS: Uterine rupture occurred in 4 of 41 patients with previous cesarean delivery who had labor induced with misoprostol. The rate of uterine rupture (9.7%) was significantly higher in patients with a previous cesarean delivery (P<0.001). No uterine rupture occurred in 50 patients without uterine scarring. Women with a history of cesarean delivery were more likely to have oxytocin augmentation than those without uterine scarring (41% versus 20%; P=0.037). CONCLUSION: Misoprostol induction of labor increases the risk of uterine rupture in women with a history of cesarean delivery.     

A randomized comparison of transcervical Foley catheter to intravaginal misoprostol for preinduction cervical ripening

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of intravaginal misoprostol tablets with transcervical Foley catheter for preinduction cervical ripening. METHODS: Pregnant women who presented for induction of labor with unfavorable cervices (Bishop score less than 6) were assigned randomly to intravaginal misoprostol (50 microg tablet every 4 hours for a maximum of six doses) or 30-mL Foley catheter placed transcervically with maintenance of traction. RESULTS: Among 111 women, 53 were allocated to misoprostol and 58 to Foley bulb. Contractile abnormalities were more frequent in the misoprostol group (20.4%) than the Foley group (0%) (P <.001). No statistically significant differences were noted between groups in change in Bishop score, preinduction cervical ripening times, and total induction times. There were no statistically significant differences in mode of delivery or adverse neonatal outcomes. Uterine rupture occurred in one woman with two previous cesarean deliveries in the misoprostol group. CONCLUSION: Intravaginal misoprostol and transcervical Foley catheter are equivalent for cervical ripening. Uterine contractile abnormalities and meconium passage are more common with misoprostol.     

Oral misoprostol vs. intravaginal prostaglandin E2 for preinduction cervical ripening. A randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare orally administered misoprostol with intravaginal prostaglandin E2 for cervical ripening and labor induction. STUDY DESIGN: Patients presenting with medical or obstetric indications for labor induction whose Bishop's score was < or = 6 were randomly allocated to receive either 50 micrograms of oral misoprostol or 4 mg of intravaginal prostaglandin E2. If adequate cervical ripening (Bishop score of 9 or cervical dilatation of 3) or active labor did not ensue, repeat doses of each medication were administered every four hours. A maximum of six doses of either oral misoprostol or intravaginal prostaglandin E2 was permitted. Intravenous oxytocin was subsequently administered according to a standardized infusion protocol. RESULTS: Sixty patients were enrolled, with 29 randomized to the oral misoprostol arm and 31 to the prostaglandin E2 group. The data on 58 patients were eligible for analysis. Delivery occurred within 48 hours in 96.4% (27/28) of those administered oral misoprostol as compared to 76.7% (23/30) of those who received intravaginal prostaglandin E2 (P = .03). The mean time intervals from the start of induction to delivery were similar between the two groups (1,496 +/- 120 vs. 1,723 +/- 230 minutes, P = .40). No statistically significant differences existed between the two groups with respect to intrapartum complications, tachysystole, uterine hyperstimulation or adverse neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Oral administration of misoprostol is an effective alternative to intravaginal prostaglandin E2 for preinduction cervical ripening.     

Uterine rupture during induced trial of labor among women with previous cesarean delivery

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to compare the rates of uterine rupture during induced trials of labor after previous cesarean delivery with the rates during a spontaneous trial of labor. STUDY DESIGN: All deliveries between 1992 and 1998 among women with previous cesarean delivery were evaluated. Rates of uterine rupture were determined for spontaneous labor and different methods of induction. RESULTS: Of 2119 trials of labor, 575 (27%) were induced. The overall rate of uterine rupture was 0.71% (15/2119). The uterine rupture rate with induced trial of labor (8/575; 1.4%) was significantly higher than with a spontaneous trial of labor (7/1544; 0.45%; P =.0004). Uterine rupture rates associated with different methods of induction were compared with the rate seen with spontaneous labor and were as follows: prostaglandin E(2) gel, 2.9% (5/172; P =.004); intracervical Foley catheter, 0.76% (1/129; P =.47); and labor induction not requiring cervical ripening, 0.74% (2/274; P =.63). The uterine rupture rate associated with inductions other than with prostaglandin E(2) was 0.74% (3/474; P =.38). The relative risk of uterine rupture with prostaglandin E(2) use versus spontaneous trial of labor was 6.41 (95% confidence interval, 2. 06-19.98). CONCLUSION: Induction of labor was associated with an increased risk of uterine rupture among women with a previous cesarean delivery, and this association was highest when prostaglandin E(2) gel was used.     

Extra-amniotic Foley catheter and prostaglandin E(2) gel for cervical ripening at term gestation.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the efficacy of intravaginal prostaglandin E(2) gel in comparison with that of a Foley catheter for cervical ripening and induction of labor. STUDY DESIGN: Consecutive patients with unfavorable cervix requiring preinduction cervical ripening and induction of labor at term gestation were asked to participate in the study. One hundred and two patients were assigned to treatment with intravaginal prostaglandin E(2) gel (group 1) and 122 patients underwent the placement of an intracervical Foley catheter (group 2). After a maximum of three applications of intravaginal prostaglandin E(2) gel (18h) or after 18h from Foley catheter insertion oxytocin was administered to patients not in active labor. Labor profiles and pregnancy and neonatal outcome were compared between groups. RESULTS: The groups were comparable in term of demographic characteristics, indications for induction of labor, Bishop score at admission. The induction to labor time and the induction to delivery time were similar between groups. The cesarean sections rate was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (26.5 versus 14.7%, P<0.05). This remained significant when the analysis was restricted to nulliparous patients (32.3 versus 14.2%). The incidence of urinary tract infections, chorioamnionitis, and febrile morbidity was similar between groups. CONCLUSION: For preinduction cervical ripening, the Foley catheter is a valid alternative to the application of intravaginal prostaglandin E(2) gel and it is associated with a lower cesarean rate in nulliparous women.     

Abruptio placentae associated with misoprostol use in women with preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate complications associated with cervical ripening with vaginal administration of misoprostol and dinoprostone vaginal inserts in women with preeclampsia. preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of patients with preeclampsia undergoing cervical ripening with vaginal misoprostol and dinoprostone vaginal inserts prior to labor induction. RESULTS: Among 203 patients with preeclampsia undergoing cervical ripening prior to induction, 95 received vaginal misoprostol, and 108 received dinoprostone. The incidence of uterine hyperstimulation requiring medical therapy and the need for emergency cesarean section due tofetal heart rate abnormalities were significantly higher among patients receiving misoprostol (22.1% versus 12.0%, p = 0.04, and 17.9% versus 8.3%, p = 0.03, respectively). The overall incidence of abruptio placentae was 7.4%, with a significantly higher incidence among those receiving misoprostol as compared to dinoprostone (13.7% versus 1.9%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Among patients with preeclampsia undergoing cervical ripening prior to labor induction, there is a higher incidence of acute intrapartum complications (uterine hyperstimulation, cesarean section for fetal heart rate abnormalities and abruptio placentae) with vaginal misoprostol, as compared to dinoprostone, vaginal insert.     

A prospective randomized study comparing misoprostol and oxytocin for premature rupture of membranes at term.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of vaginal misoprostol and oxytocin for cervical ripening and labor induction in patients with premature rupture of membrane (PROM) at term. METHODS: Ninety-seven women with PROM at term were assigned randomly to receive intravaginal misoprostol or oxytocin. The primary outcome measure was the induction-delivery interval. Secondary outcomes included the number of women who delivered vaginally within 12 hours of the start of the induction in the two groups, the cesarean, hyperstimulation, and failed induction rates, the mode of delivery, and the neonatal outcome. RESULTS: Forty-eight women were assigned to intravaginal misoprostol and 49 to oxytocin administration. The mean interval from induction to delivery was 10.61 +/- 2.45 hours in the misoprostol group and 11.57 +/- 1.91 hours in the oxytocin group (p = 0.063). The rates of vaginal delivery were 83.3% and 87.7% and cesarean delivery were 16.7% and 8.2% in the misoprostol and oxytocin groups, respectively. Neonatal outcomes were not significantly different. Of the cases, 8.3% in the misoprostol group and 8.2% in the oxytocin group revealed uterine contraction abnormalities. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that, intravaginally, misoprostol results in a similar interval from induction of labor to delivery when compared to oxytocin.     

Intravaginal misoprostol versus Foley catheter for cervical ripening and induction of labor.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of 100 microg of intravaginal misoprostol with intracervical Foley catheter for cervical ripening and induction of labor. METHOD: One hundred women being induced in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, were randomized to receive a single 100 microg dose of misoprostol intravaginally or intracervical insertion of Foley catheter. Data analyses were by the Student's t-test and chi-square test. RESULT: Misoprostol was more effective in terms of induction to delivery interval (11.84+/-5.43 versus 20.03+/-4.68 h, P<0.05), change in Bishop score, and number delivered within 24 h, in patients with a one-time successful induction. Uterine hyperactivity and rupture were more frequent in the misoprostol group. CONCLUSION: A single 100 microg dose of intravaginal misoprostol is more efficacious than intracervical insertion of Foley catheter for cervical ripening and induction of labor. Further studies using lower doses are needed to determine the safest dose.     

Labor induction with misoprostol.

Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E(1 ) analog, is widely used in the United States for cervical ripening and labor induction. Its use for these indications is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. The only Food and Drug Administration-approved indication in the product labeling is the treatment and prevention of intestinal ulcer disease resulting from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory use. Multiple trials have proved that misoprostol is an effective agent for cervical ripening and labor induction in term pregnancy; however, investigations continue regarding the optimal dose, dosing regimen, and route of administration. Uterine contraction abnormalities are often found in association with higher misoprostol doses. Some trials also indicate increased frequencies of meconium passage, neonatal acidemia, and cesarean delivery for fetal distress in women receiving higher doses of misoprostol. Overall, most trials fail to demonstrate a significant change in the cesarean delivery rate with the use of this agent. Misoprostol is an effective agent for cervical ripening and labor induction when used in a judicious and cautious fashion.     

Rupture of the scarred uterus

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of uterine rupture of the scarred uterus according to mode of delivery in subsequent births recorded as spontaneous labour, labour induced by oxytocin, labour after ripening with prostaglandin E2, and planned cesarean section. METHODS: Retrospective study of 2,128 births with a low transversal scar after a previous cesarean section. The study population was realised in a level III university hospital from 1995 to 2003. The association between mode of delivery and uterine rupture was studied in a multivariate logistic regression model, and adjusted for specific antenatal confounding factors. RESULTS: Over 9 years, we collected 22 cases (1%), including 11 asymptomatic ruptures in a population of 2,128 scarred uteri out of 28,248 deliveries. Uterine rupture occurred at a rate of 0.3 per 100 among women with repeated cesarean delivery without labour, 1 per 100 among women with spontaneous onset of labour, 1.4 per 100 among women with oxytocin-induced labour, and 2.2 per 100 among women with prostaglandin cervical ripening. Compared to women with a planned cesarean section, women with spontaneous onset of labour were more likely to have uterine rupture (OR: 4.0; 95% CI: 0.8-42.0). A greater relative risk was observed among women with oxytocin-induced labour (OR: 4.3; 95% CI: 0.3-60.0), and particularly those with prostaglandin-induced labour (OR: 8.7; 95% CI: 1.5-97.3, p=0.01). CONCLUSION: In women with a scarred uterus, prostaglandin E2 induction of labour is a risk factor for uterine rupture. The practice of a systematic cesarean section in cases with Bishop score<3, appropriate induction procedure, and rigorous monitoring of the labour, could make for a safer delivery.     

Uterine rupture associated with the use of misoprostol in the gravid patient with a previous cesarean section

Objective: Our purpose is to report our experience with uterine rupture in patients undergoing a trial of labor after previous cesarean delivery in which labor was induced with misoprostol. The literature on the use of misoprostol in the setting of previous cesarean section is reviewed. Study Design: This report was based on case reports, a computerized search of medical records, and literature review. Results: Uterine rupture occurred in 5 of 89 patients with previous cesarean delivery who had labor induced with misoprostol. The uterine rupture rate for patients attempting vaginal birth after cesarean section was significantly higher in those who received misoprostol, 5.6%, than in those who did not, 0.2% (1/423, P = .0001). Review of the literature reveals insufficient data to support the use of misoprostol in the patient with a previous cesarean delivery. Conclusion: Misoprostol may increase the risk of uterine rupture in the patient with a scarred uterus. Carefully controlled studies of the risks and benefits of misoprostol are necessary before its widespread use in this setting. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;180:1535-42.)     

Intracervical misoprostol and prostaglandin E2 for labor induction.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the safety and efficacy of misoprostol with PGE(2) for induction of labor by intracervical administration. METHODS: Eighty-six women with indications for labor induction at term were randomly assigned to two groups. Each woman received either 50 microg of misoprostol or 0.5 mg of prostaglandin E(2) intracervically. If labor was not initiated after 4 h, the same dose was repeated every 4 h to a maximum of 200 microg of misoprostol or 1.5 mg of PGE(2) until adequate labor was achieved. RESULTS: Forty-three women were allocated to the misoprostol group and 43 to the prostaglandin E(2) group. Misoprostol was more effective than PGE(2) in producing cervical changes (P<0.025). Delivery within 12 h after the first administration occurred more often in the misoprostol group than in the PGE(2) one (85% vs. 56%, P<0.05). Less patients in the misoprostol group required oxytocin augmentation than in the PGE(2) one (16.3% vs. 39.5%, P<0.05). Uterine tachysystole and hyperstimulation occurred more frequently in the misoprostol group (44.1%) than in the PGE(2) group (18.7%) (P<0.05). Nevertheless, no statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups including mode of delivery and neonatal or maternal adverse outcome. The interval from induction to vaginal delivery was significantly shorter in the misoprostol group (480+/-172 min vs. 657+/-436 min, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with prostaglandin E(2), intracervical misoprostol is more effective in cervical ripening and labor induction at term. The higher frequency of uterine hypercontractility associated with the use of misoprostol did not increase the risk of adverse intrapartum and neonatal outcomes.     

A prospective randomized study comparing misoprostol and oxytocin for premature rupture of membranes at term

Objective.?The aim of this randomized trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of vaginal misoprostol and oxytocin for cervical ripening and labor induction in patients with premature rupture of membrane (PROM) at term.

Methods.?Ninety-seven women with PROM at term were assigned randomly to receive intravaginal misoprostol or oxytocin. The primary outcome measure was the induction–delivery interval. Secondary outcomes included the number of women who delivered vaginally within 12 hours of the start of the induction in the two groups, the cesarean, hyperstimulation, and failed induction rates, the mode of delivery, and the neonatal outcome.

Results.?Forty-eight women were assigned to intravaginal misoprostol and 49 to oxytocin administration. The mean interval from induction to delivery was 10.61 ± 2.45 hours in the misoprostol group and 11.57 ± 1.91 hours in the oxytocin group (p = 0.063). The rates of vaginal delivery were 83.3% and 87.7% and cesarean delivery were 16.7% and 8.2% in the misoprostol and oxytocin groups, respectively. Neonatal outcomes were not significantly different. Of the cases, 8.3% in the misoprostol group and 8.2% in the oxytocin group revealed uterine contraction abnormalities.

Conclusion.?Our study demonstrates that, intravaginally, misoprostol results in a similar interval from induction of labor to delivery when compared to oxytocin.     

Outpatient cervical ripening with nitric oxide donor isosorbide mononitrate prior to induction of labor.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness and safety of outpatient vaginal administration of isosorbide mononitrate (IMN) to induce cervical ripening. METHODS: A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted on 102 singleton term pregnant women with unfavorable cervices who were randomly assigned to receive outpatient intravaginal IMN or placebo before admission for induction of labor. The main outcome variable was time from hospital admission to delivery. Secondary outcomes included fetal and maternal morbidity, labor characteristics, and incidence of cesarean delivery. RESULTS: The admission-delivery interval was 13.45+/-6.63 and 20.12+/-8.19 h (P=0.0001) for the IMN and placebo groups, respectively. Of the IMN patients 62.75% needed prostaglandins for cervical ripening versus 90.2% with placebo (P=0.002). The incidence of tachysystole was significantly lower in the IMN group (P<0.05) but there were no significant differences in cesarean delivery rate, neonatal outcomes, and incidence of hyperstimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient use of IMN resulted in shorter admission to delivery interval, and was associated with less prostaglandin use and lower incidence of uterine tachysystole.     

Labor induction with prostaglandin E1 misoprostol compared with dinoprostone vaginal insert: A randomized trial

Objective: To compare the safety, efficacy, and costs of intravaginal misoprostol versus dinoprostone vaginal inserts for cervical ripening and labor induction.Methods: Two hundred twenty-three labor induction patients were assigned randomly to one of two treatment groups: 1) intravaginal misoprostol or 2) dinoprostone vaginal inserts. Fifty micrograms of misoprostol were placed in the posterior vaginal fornix every 3 hours for a maximum period of 24 hours. Ten milligrams of dinoprostone was administered in a single application as a vaginal insert for 12 hours.Results: Among 223 patients evaluated, 108 were allocated to the misoprostol group and 115 to the dinoprostone group. The median interval from induction to vaginal delivery was significantly shorter in the misoprostol group: 698 (range 395–1053) versus 1041 (range 792–1531) minutes (P < .001). Vaginal delivery within 12 hours of ripening occurred in 40.7% of patients who received misoprostol compared with 19.1% for those receiving dinoprostone (P < .001); no significant difference between the groups was noted for vaginal delivery within 24 hours. Uterine tachysystole occurred more frequently in patients in the misoprostol group (21.3%) than in the dinoprostone group (7.0%) (P = .004). Nevertheless, no statistically significant differences were noted between the groups with respect to intrapartum complications, including uterine hyperstimulation, mode of delivery, and neonatal or maternal adverse outcomes. The average cost per patient for misoprostol treatment was $85 compared with $606 for treatment with the vaginal insert.Conclusion: Intravaginal misoprostol and the dinoprosone vaginal insert appear to be safe agents for cervical ripening and labor induction. However, misoprostol is less expensive and more effective than the dinoprostone vaginal insert.     

Preinduction cervical ripening techniques compared

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy of pharmacologic, mechanical and combination techniques of cervical ripening. STUDY DESIGN: From March 1997 to August 1998, all cervical-ripening patients at Lehigh Valley Hospital were randomly assigned to three groups: intravaginal misoprostol, intracervical Foley catheter, or combination prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel and Foley catheter. Inclusion criteria included Bishop score < or = 5 and no contraindication to labor. The remaining delivery process was actively managed according to established guidelines. Multiple variables in perinatal outcome were analyzed, with the cesarean section rate and time from ripening to delivery as the main outcome variables. RESULTS: Of the 205 patients, 65 were randomized to the misoprostol group, 71 to the Foley group and 69 to the catheter-and-gel group. There were no differences between groups in delivery indications, maternal demographics, ultrasound findings, labor interventions, intrapartum times, mode of delivery, postpartum complications or neonatal outcomes. The misoprostol group demonstrated a higher rate of uterine tachysystole and required oxytocin less when compared to the two catheter groups. CONCLUSION: The higher rate of uterine tachysystole with misoprostol did not increase the cesarean section rate. The higher rate of oxytocin required by the two catheter groups did not increase the delivery time intervals. There appears to be no benefit to adding intracervical or intravaginal PGE2 gel to the intracervical Foley balloon. The misoprostol and catheter ripening techniques have similar safety and efficacy.     

Vaginal misoprostol administration for cervical ripening and labor induction

Intravaginal misoprostol has been shown to be an effective agent for cervical ripening and induction of labor. Vaginal application of misoprostol has been reported in over 9000 women worldwide and seems to have safety profile similar to that of endocervically and intravaginally administered dinoprostone. Concern arises with the use of higher doses of intravaginal misoprostol (50 mcg or more) and the association with uterine contractile abnormalities and for this reason, use of low-dose misoprostol regimen has been recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The recommendation is use of a 25-mcg dose of misoprostol inserted into the posterior vaginal fornix and repeated every 3 to 6 hours as needed. Misoprostol administration to women with prior cesarean births seems to increase the likelihood of uterine scar disruption and should not be used in these women. There are reports of uterine rupture in women with unscarred uteri treated with vaginally applied misoprostol. Therefore, all patients need to be monitored adequately after misoprostol administration. Although there is a growing body of data regarding the ambulatory use of intravaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening, its use for this purpose cannot be recommended outside of investigational protocols at this time because of concerns for maternal and neonatal safety.     

Influence of misoprostol or prostaglandin E(2) for induction of labor on the incidence of pathological CTG tracing: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of misoprostol (prostaglandin E(1) (PGE(1))) with dinoprostone (prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2))) for third trimester cervical ripening and labor induction. STUDY DESIGN: Patients requiring induction of labor were randomly assigned to receive either 50 microg of intravaginal misoprostol every 4 h or 0.5 mg of intracervical dinoprostone gel every 6 h. Eligibility criteria included gestation = 36 weeks. Primary outcome was the time interval from induction to delivery; secondary outcomes were mode of delivery, perinatal outcome, and interpretation of cardiotocogram (CTG) records. RESULTS: Two hundred women were randomly enrolled to receive either misoprostol (n = 100) or dinoprostone (n = 100). Time induction-to-delivery at 12, 24 and 48 h and the need for oxytocin were reduced with misoprostol (P < 0.05). Pathological CTG tracing according to FIGO and Melchior scores were more frequent in the misoprostol-treated group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Misoprostol shortened the induction-to-delivery interval, but is associated with a higher incidence of abnormal CTG than prostaglandin E(2).     

Misoprostol for cervical ripening and labor induction in pregnancies with oligohydramnios

The efficacy and safety of misoprostol for cervical ripening and labor induction in patients with oligohydramnios was investigated. 57 pregnancies with oligohydramnios and 58 cases with a normal amniotic fluid volume (controls) were enrolled in this prospective trial. All patients received 50 microg of intravaginal misoprostol every 5 h. Primary outcomes were: cesarean section rate; induction to delivery time; oxytocin augmentation; uterine hyperstimulation; meconium passage; fetal heart rate (FHR) changes; fetal distress requiring delivery, and Apgar scores. There were no differences in the mean time to delivery, cesarean section rate, oxytocin augmentation or Apgar scores. The mean induction to delivery time in oligohydramnios and control groups were, 11 h 43 min and 11 h 18 min, respectively (p > 0.05). FHR changes were observed in 26.3% of oligohydramnios group and 32.7% of control group (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the cesarean section rate and the uterine hyperstimulation between the 2 groups. These data suggest that misoprostol can be used as an effective agent for cervical ripening and labor induction in pregnancies with oligohydramnios without increasing the risk for perinatal outcome, compared to those with normal amniotic fluid volumes.