Publication:

A comparative study to assess the efficacy of dinoprostone and misoprostol in labour induction

Background Induction of labour is the non-spontaneous initiation of uterine contractions, prior to their spontaneous onset leading to progressive effacement and dilation of cervix and delivery of the baby. The objective of this study to compare efficacy of induction of labour with dinoprostone and misoprostol with respect to induction delivery interval, oxytocin augmentation, type of delivery and cost effectiveness.

Methods 200 Patients admitted to labour ward of Sree Gokulam Medical College and Research Foundation, Vejaramoodu, Kerala, India with an indication of induction of labour and unfavorable cervices were randomly assigned to receive either intravaginal misoprostol or intracervical dinoprostone between December 2012 and May 2014.

Results Average induction to delivery interval among misoprostol group was 21.6+4.2 hours and that of dinoprostone was 29.1+4.2 hours. Dinoprostone group had significant longer duration than misoprostol group in induction delivery interval.64% of misoprostol group had spontaneous onset of labour whereas only 31% of dinoprostone group had spontaneous labour onset. Mean bishop’s score change over 6 and 12 hours was significantly greater in the misoprostol group. There was no significant difference in the mode of delivery or rate of caesarean section in both the groups.

Conclusions Misoprostol is an effective and economical drug for induction of labour, which is easy to preserve and administer. It shortness the induction delivery interval with less need for oxytocin compared to dinoprostone.