Hyaluronidase versus Foley catheter for cervical ripening in high-risk term and post term pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Foley catheter and hyaluronidase for cervical ripening. METHOD: Randomized controlled trial where 140 pregnant women, with gestational age > or = 37 weeks, indication for labor induction and an unripe cervix, were enrolled, allocated in two groups according to the method of cervical ripening before labor induction. Statistical analysis used Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney, Chi-square test, survival analysis, risk ratios and number needed to treat. RESULTS: Time of induction, dose of oxytocin and mode of delivery had better results in the Foley catheter group. Comfort with the method was higher in the hyaluronidase group. CONCLUSIONS: Both methods were effective and safe for cervical ripening. The Foley catheter group experienced a shorter period of induction, required a lower dose of oxytocin and had higher vaginal delivery rates, while the women who used hyaluronidase declared greater comfort with the method.