RESUMO
The aim of this study is to determine the success rate of PGE2 induced labour after one caesarean section. A retrospective study was conducted on 61 patients in whom labour was induced with PGE2 vaginal tablets after one caesarean section at Dubai Hospital, UAE between January 1- December 31, 2003. The mean maternal age was 31.24 +/- years, the mean gestational age at induction of labour was 39.59 +/- weeks, gravidity ranged from 2 to 10. Fifty five patients [90.19%] were of low parity [Para 1 - 4] and six patients [9.8%] were of high parity [Para 5 and above]. The indications of induction of labour were post dated pregnancy, early labour pain, PROM, reduced number of maternally perceived foetal movements. The Bishop score was less than 6 in 45 patients [73.77%] i.e. cervix was unripe and was 6 or more in 16 patients [26.229%] i.e. cervix was ripe. The mean dose of PGE2 used was 3.565 +/- mg. Syntocinon augmentation was used in 7 patients 11.3%. Fourteen patients [22.95%] delivered by normal vaginal delivery, 46 [75.4%,] by repeat caesarean section and 1 patient by assisted vaginal delivery. The indications for repeat caesarean section were failure of descent of resenting part in 33 patients [71.74], foetal distress in 12 patients [26.08%] and hypertonic uterine contraction in 1 patient [2.17%]. The mean birth weight was 3.229 +/- gm. Apgar score at 1 minute was < 7 in 4 newborn babies [6.55%] but was > 7 in all other at 5 minutes. Women with one previous caesarean section can be offered induction of labour. The decision about the mode of delivery after caesarean section should take into consideration maternal preference and priorities, risk of uterine rupture and risks and benefits of caesarean section. However, larger studies needed for validation