Vaginal versus sublingual misoprostol for labor induction at term and post term: a randomized prospective study

We want to compare the efficacy and safety of vaginal versus sublingual misoprostol for cervical ripening and induction of labor. This randomized clinical trial was performed on 140 women with medical or obstetric indications for labor induction. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: vaginal and sublingual administration of misoprostol. In first group, 25 Micro g misoprostol was placed in the posterior fornix of the vagina and second group received 25 Micro g misoprostol sublingually, every 6 hours for 24 h. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were analyzed. There was no significant difference in the demographic characteristics between two groups. The main indication for cesarean section in both groups was fetal distress, followed by absence of active labor progress. Evaluation of cesarean indication was not significantly different in two groups; including fetal distress, absence of active labor, uterine over activity and failure to progress. The maternal complication in sublingual group included residual placenta [2%], tachysystole [2%], vomiting [12%], atoni [3.3%] and abdominal pain [5.5%], although there was no significant difference between two groups. Sublingual misoprostol is as effective as vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor at term. However, sublingual misoprostol has the advantage of easy administration and may be more suitable than vaginal misoprostol

Comparison of serum levels of tri-iodothyronine [T3], thyroxine [T4], and thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] in preeclampsia and normal pregnancy

The physiological changes in thyroid gland during pregnancy have been suggested as one of the pathophysiologic causes of preeclampsia. The aim of this study was comparison of serum levels of Tri-iodothyronine [T3], Thyroxine [T4], and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone [TSH] in preeclampsia and normal pregnancy. In this case-control study, 40 normal pregnant women and 40 cases of preeclamsia in third trimester of pregnancy were evaluated. They were compared for serum levels of Free T3 [FT3], Free T4 [FT4] and TSH. The data was analyzed by SPSS software with the use of t-student, Chi-square, Independent sample T-test and Bivariate correlation test. P

[Serum calcium and magnesium in preeclamptic and normal pregnancies; a comparative study]

Preeclampsia is a common gestational disorder which complicates 5-8% of pregnancies and it is associated with maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Alterations in serum calcium [Ca] and magnesium [Mg] levels have been suggested as effective factors in causing preeclampsia. This study was conducted to compare serum calcium and magnesium levels in preeclamptic and normal pregnant women. In this case-control study, 50 preeclamptic and 50 normal pregnant women referring to Ghaem Hospital, affiliated to Mashad University of Medical Sciences, were selected during 2005. Blood samples of both groups with similar gestational ages were collected and compared for calcium and magnesium concentrations. The data were analyzed by student t-test, X[2], Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Fisher exact tests and a general linear model. The demographic data in the two groups, had no significant difference [P<0.01] but there was a significant difference between them in terms of smoking history [P<0.05]. Serum magnesium levels in the preeclamptic women were significantly lower than those of individuals with normal pregnancy [1.92 +/- 0.37 mg/dl vs. 2.29 +/- 0.69 mg/dl] [p<0.01] while calcium levels had no significant differences [9.16 +/- 0.75 mg/dl] vs. 9.47 +/- 1.58 mg/dl]. This preeclampsia is lower than that of the normal pregnant women. This result may support the hypothesis on the role of magnesium deficiency in preeclampsia pathophysiology and suggest the usefulness of its assessment in the early diagnosis of the disorder