ABSTRACT
To compare efficacy, safety and tolerance of intravaginal misoprostol with intracervical dinoprostone for cervical ripening and labour induction in women with unfavorable cervices.Two hundred women requiring induction of labour at or beyond term were randomized to receive one of the two methods: intravaginal misoprostol 25 ug every 4 hours up to a maximum of eight doses and intracervical diniprostone gel 0.5 mg every 6 hours up to a maximum of three doses. Induction delivery interval was significantly shorter (p< 0.01) in the study group 10.86 hours (651.470 minutes) versus 13.31 hours (798.625 minutes). The proportion of women delivering vaginally within 24 hours was 84% in misoprostol group and 69% in dinoprostone group. The rates of women who needed oxytocin (28% versus 48%) were higher in dinoprostone group. Cesarean section rate in the study group was lower than in control group but not significantly so (15% versus 24%; p=0.09). Foetal distress was more common in the study group than in the control group but not significantly so (23% versus 18%; p=0.38). Neonatal outcome was comparable in the two groups. There were no significant maternal complications in both the groups. Intravaginal misoprostol 25 ug every four hours was more effective for cervical ripening and labour induction than intracervical dinoprostone 0.5 mg every six hours.