Randomized comparison of vaginal dinoprostone and high dose oxytocin of labor: safety and efficacy

ABSTRACT

Unripe cervix is the most important factor in failure of labor induction. This study is conducted to compare the efficacy and side effects of Dinoproston and high dose oxytocin as ripening agents in labor induction. In this double blinded randomized clinical trial, 1290 women with unfavorable cervix who underwent labor induction were randomly assigned to vaginal Dinoproston [9 mg] or intravenous high dose Oxytocin [6miu/min] groups. Initial 12 hours Bishop-Score, labor induction to labor duration, delivery type, 1 and 5 minute APGAR, side effects on mother or neonate, hospitalization duration and hospitalization costs were recorded. Data were analysed using t and Chi-square tests by means of Minitab statistical shoftware. The results showed that vaginal Dinoproston was effective in shortening latent phase of labor [P<0.01]. But, mean Bishop-Score over the initial 12 hours, the interval between labor induction to delivery, and side effects for mother or neonate were not different between the two groups. Based on the results, although hospitalization duration was not different between the groups, hospitalization costs for Dinoproston group was significantly higher [P<0.05] It seems that inspite of shortening the latent phase of labor in vaginal Dinoproston group, it is not more effective than high dose Osytocin as an adjuvant to labor induction in women with unfavorable cervix