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Use of misoprostol on an outpatient basis for postdate pregnancy
Author(s) -
Kipikasa J.H.,
Adair C.D.,
Williamson J.,
Breen J.M.,
Medford L.K.,
SanchezRamos L.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
international journal of gynecology and obstetrics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.895
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1879-3479
pISSN - 0020-7292
DOI - 10.1016/j.ijgo.2004.10.006
Subject(s) - misoprostol , medicine , obstetrics , gestation , pregnancy , adverse effect , regimen , confidence interval , bishop score , labor induction , gynecology , abortion , surgery , oxytocin , genetics , biology
Abstract Objective Within the obstetric community, several studies suggest that cervical ripening and labor induction after 40 weeks' gestation leads to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. The most effective drug regimen to safely promote labor has not been determined. Method Forty‐nine subjects followed in an outpatient obstetrical clinic with pregnancies of at least 40 weeks' gestation, and an unfavorable Bishop score were assigned randomly to receive oral misoprostol 50 or 25 μg every 3 days for a maximum of three doses. Results Twenty‐three subjects received misoprostol 25 μg and 26 received 50 μg. The mean interval (±standard deviation) from start of cervical ripening to delivery was 2.4 days ±0.3 vs. 3.9 days ±0.7 for the 50 and 25 μg groups ( P <0.05). No adverse events were noted. However, due to small sample size, less frequent adverse events may be missed. Type II errors cannot be excluded. Conclusion In the prevention of postdate pregnancy, outpatients use of oral misoprostol 50 μg appears to result in earlier delivery, as compared to 25 μg.