RESUMO
To compare the efficacy of misoprostol 50ug [sublingual] in comparison with oxytocin infusion than for induction of labour in cases of PROM [premature rupture of membrane at term]. Prospective randomized study. Mujahid Trust Hospital, Faisalabad. Duration: Conducted from Dec 2006 to April 2008. Women were randomized to receive either 50 microgram of sublingual misoprostol every 4 hours with Ringer's lactate solution or oxytocin infusion 10 lU in one litre of Lactated Ringer's solution with a sublingual placebo. Main outcome measures: The number of women delivering vaginally within 24 hours of labour induction. Fifty two women [83%] in misoprostol group and 48 [77%>] in oxytocin group delivered vaginally within 24 hours [relative risk [RR]1.1. However, the induction to vaginal delivery was significantly shorter in the misoprostol group 15+3.7 hours compared with the oxytocin group 18+4.1. The incidence of tachysystole was more than three folds higher in misoprostol than in the oxytocin group [14%] versus 4.3%] RR3.3] but this was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the incidence of hypertonus or hyperstimulation syndrome, mode of delivery intervention for fetal distress or neonatal outcomes between the two groups. The group of women received misoprostol for labour induction were found more successful in achieving vaginal delivery in comparatively shorter time and more acceptable to patients. Further studies on safety with large numbers of women need to be conducted before routine use