Publication:

Clinical utility of mifepristone over oxytocin in preventing adversities of parturition outcomes: a comparative study

Background Of the various medical methods of induction, induction with oxytocin and prostaglandins remain the most popular and acceptable methods in modern obstetric practice. The present cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kamla Raja Hospital, Gwalior, mifepristone has been used through oral route for induction of labor. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effect of oral mifepristone for induction of labor, to record the outcome of labor and the incidence of operative interference, and to see any adverse effects on mother and/or neonate with its use, to compare its effect with other medical method of labor induction.

Methods The present study is a prospective comparative study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, G. R. Medical College and Kamla Raja Hospital, Gwalior (M.P.), from May 2009 to June 2010. Total number of patients involved in the study is 119, study group comprised of 69 patients in which oral mifepristone (200mg) was given on day 1 and day 2 of a four-day observation period. The control group comprised of 50 patients induced with intravenous oxytocin group.

Results On overall assessment of the efficacy of labour induction with oral mifepristone as compared to intravenous (I/V) oxytocin, we found that there was no significant difference in the mode of delivery (vaginal and caesarean section) and Apgar score.

Conclusions The induction of active labour induction, induction to delivery interval is higher in mifepristone group as compared to oxytocin group. However, the drug resulted in higher rates of vaginal birth after cesarean section (VBAC) with no grave maternal and fetal outcomes, so thus aspect of oral mifepristone is of great consideration and requires further research.