Publication:

A study of effect of oral PGE1 and cervical PGE2 on induction of labor and mode of delivery

Background Induction of labor is one of the most important procedures done by the Obstetricians. Induction of labor with the help of prostaglandins offer the advantage of promoting cervical ripening along with stimulating the contractility of the myometrium.

Methods 200 pregnant women with singleton pregnancy both nulliparous and multiparous, were included in the study at term gestation (>39weeks) with Bishop’s score <6, and reactive NST. The subjects were divided in to two groups Group A including patients who were given oral PGE1 - 50 mcg Tab, and Group B with cervical PGE2, 0.5 mg, gel. The outcome indicators were recorded in both Group A and Group B and analyzed. The mean time taken from induction to vaginal delivery in Group A was 628±67 minutes and in Group B was 839±118 minutes. Incidence of LSCS in Group B when compared to Group A (p value <0.005).

Results Incidence of LSCS in Primi’s in Group B compared to Primi’s in Group A was statistically significant (p value 0.009). Non-progression of labor was observed to be the major indication for LSCS in Group B. Meconium stained labor was found to be the major indication for LSCS in Group A.

Conclusions The study concludes that using 50 mcg oral misoprostol, is an effective and safe mode of induction of labor in comparison to PGE2 gel. Vaginal deliveries are more with the use of oral misoprostol and the induction to delivery interval is also lesser than that in cervical PGE2 use.