Pethidine and the rate of cervical dilatation

ABSTRACT

This study comprised 141 cases [87 controls and 54 receiving pethidine], all matched in age, parity, presentation, and mode of delivery. Both controls and the studied cases were divided into two groups A primigravid and a para 1 group. Pethidine was given only at the outset of active labor, intravenously, in a dose of 100 mg diluted in 10 cc saline. The rate of cervical dilatation was recorded for each patient. The results were evaluated statistically by the Student's test. Rates of cervical dilatation of the pethidine treated group were significantly higher than the control group [P <0.001]. This applied for primigravid [P <0.005] as well as para 1 patients [P <0.002]. It is recommended to give pethidine intravenously during the start of the active phase of labor, more specially in primigravid parturients