prostaglandin E1, analogue [misoprostol] versus oxytocin in labor induction

ABSTRACT

Sixty-five patients with an indication for induction of labor were randomly assigned to induction with intravaginal misoprostol or IV oxytocin infusion. In the latter group, prostaglandin E2 vaginal tablets were used prior to infusion if necessary. Among 65 patients evaluated, 33 were assigned to the misoprostol group and 32 to the oxytocin group. PGE2 vaginal tablets were needed in 12 patients in the oxytocin group with unfavorable cervix. Uterine tachysystole occurred more frequently in the misoprostol group [33.3%] than the oxytocin group [15.6%]. However, no statistically significant differences were noted between the two groups regarding mode of delivery and neonatal or maternal adverse outcome. The induction to delivery interval was significantly short in the misoprostol group [10.2 versus 16.3 hours]. In 68% of patients in the misoprostol group, only one intravaginal dose was required for successful labor induction