Publication:

Oxytocin and oral misoprostol for labor induction in prelabor rupture of membranes

Background Prelabor rupture of membrane is one of the most common complications of pregnancy, and the best management option for women with this condition is debatable. This study aims to compare intravenous oxytocin with that of oral misoprostol for labor induction in women with prelabor rupture of membrane.

Methods One hundred and forty women at Central Referral Hospital, Gangtok, India were randomized to receive either misoprostol 50 µg orally every 4 hours or intravenous oxytocin. The primary outcome measure was time from induction to vaginal delivery.

Results The mean time±standard deviation to vaginal birth with oral misoprostol was 5.0±2.58 hours compared with 4.33±2.3 h with oxytocin which was just statistically significant (P = 0.048). There were no difference in the maternal secondary outcome, including cesarean birth (ten and twelve respectively) and gastrointestinal side effects. Neonatal outcomes including Apgar scores and admission to ICU (NICU) were not different.

Conclusions Although oxytocin resulted in shorter induction to delivery interval, oral misoprostol is still an effective option for PROM, as delivery and neonatal outcomes were similar.