Publication:

Comparative study of intra vaginal misoprostol (PGE1) with intracervical dinoprostone (PGE2) gel for induction of labour

Background Labour is a final consequence of Pregnancy and is inevitable. The timing of labour may vary widely but it will happen sooner or later. The aim of the present research was to study the safety, efficacy and effect of intra vaginal Misoprostol and intra cervical Dinoprostone gel for induction of labour.

Methods 100 patients who required labour of induction were included in this prospective cross-sectional study from September 2017- March 2018. 50 patients of them received 25mcg tablet misoprostol intravaginal and 50 patients of them required 0.5mg intracervical dinoprostone gel and doses were repeated every 6 hourly for up to maximum 6 doses for Misoprostol and 3 doses for Dinoprostone gel.

Results The majority of patients had gestational age above 40 weeks and between 37-40 weeks in PGE2 and PGE1 group respectively. The mean time taken for the onset of labour was less in Misoprostol than in Dinoprostone group (43.22min v/s 1 hr40 min). The mean time taken for induction to active phase of labour (1hr 42min v/s 4hr 10min) and active phase to delivery (3hr 6min v/s 4hr54min) was less in Misoprostol than Dinoprostone group. The mean time required for induction to delivery was less in Misoprostol group (5hr 2min v/s 11hrs). Requirement of oxytocin for augmentation of labour was almost equal in both groups. Caesarean section rate was less in Misoprostol group (10% v/s 22%). Maternal side effects were minimal in either groups and neonatal outcome was good in both the groups.

Conclusions Both Misoprostol and Dinoprostone gel are safe, effective for cervical ripening and induction but Misoprostol is more cost effective and stable at room temperature.