Role of prostaglandin in the management of prelabour of the membranes at term

ABSTRACT

To compare conservative versus prostaglandin augmentation of prelabor rupture of membranes [P.R.O.M.] in healthy primigravidae women at term, 50 patients were chosen for conservative management [group 1] and 50 patients for active management [group 2]. Group 1 was observed up to 24 hours after P.R.O.M. in hospital, while group 2 was managed with PGE2 gel [2 mg] installed into the posterior fornix and repeated after 6 hours [1 mg] in both groups. If labor was not established 24 hours later, intravenous [I.V.] oxytocin was given by titration. There was a significant reduction in the [P.R.O.M.] to delivery time in the prostaglandin group without a significant increase in infective morbidity or cesarean section rate, and fewer women required oxytocin augmentation. In the conservative group, [51%] required oxytocin augmentation compared with [31%] in the PGE2 group