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A comparison between intravaginal and oral misoprostol for labor induction: A randomized controlled trial
Author(s) -
Nopdonrattakoon Lek
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of obstetrics and gynaecology research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.597
H-Index - 50
eISSN - 1447-0756
pISSN - 1341-8076
DOI - 10.1046/j.1341-8076.2003.00084.x
Subject(s) - misoprostol , medicine , labor induction , contraindication , randomized controlled trial , cervix , induction of labor , intravaginal administration , obstetrics , bishop score , pregnancy , confidence interval , anesthesia , oxytocin , vagina , abortion , surgery , genetics , alternative medicine , pathology , cancer , biology
Aim: To compare the effectiveness and safety between intravaginal and oral misoprostol for labor induction. Methods: One hundred and six pregnant women at term with unfavorable cervix (Bishop score ≤ 4) and no contraindication to prostaglandin therapy were randomized to receive either intravaginal misoprostol 50 µg every 4 h or oral misoprostol 50 µg every 4 h for prospective randomized controlled trial study. Treatment interval from induction to vaginal delivery, maternal and neonatal complications were the main outcome measures. Results: There were no statistical differences of baseline characteristics and Bishop score prior to intervention between both groups. Time interval from induction to vaginal delivery in the oral group was slightly, but significantly, longer than that of the intravaginal group (886.1 ± 443.5 min vs 637.0 ± 373.3 min, respectively.) Additionally, the number of doses required was significantly higher in the oral group. Nonetheless, there was no significant difference between both groups with regard to failure of induction and maternal‐neonatal complications. Conclusion: The effectiveness in terms of failed induction and safety were comparable between intravaginal and oral misoprostol, but intravaginal route was better with respect to treatment interval and number of required doses. Both routes of administration can alternatively be used for labor induction.