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Induction of labor with intravaginal administration of misoprostol
Author(s) -
Rodrigues R,
Nunes F,
Tiago D,
Avillez T,
Vieira A,
Meirinho M
Publication year - 1998
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/s0020-7292(97)00248-8
Subject(s) - misoprostol , medicine , labor induction , obstetrics , induction of labor , adverse effect , intravaginal administration , preterm labor , vaginal delivery , gynecology , pregnancy , anesthesia , fetus , oxytocin , abortion , vagina , surgery , genetics , biology
Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravaginal misoprostol for labor induction. Methods: 110 singleton term pregnancies with or without rupture of membranes were enrolled. Fractionated doses of misoprostol were applied (50–100 μg), every 6 h until a maximum of three doses or beginning of labor. Results: The average interval (±S.D.) from vaginal application to the beginning of active labor and to delivery were, respectively, 9.5±5.7 h and 14.8±9.5 h. Failed labor induction was observed in two cases (2%). Cesarean section rate was 14%. The incidence of tachysystole was 18% and hypersystole 4%, but these situations were associated with abnormal fetal heart rate pattern (hyperstimulation) in only 3%. No maternal side effects and neonatal adverse effects were noted. Conclusions: Intravaginal misoprostol administration with low doses is an effective and safe method for labor induction in term pregnancies, with or without rupture of membranes.