Open AccessMisoprostol‐only versus mifepristone plus misoprostol in induction of labor following intrauterine fetal death
Author(s) -
VÄYRYNEN WILMA,
HEIKINHEIMO OSKARI,
NUUTILA MIKA
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.1080/00016340701379853
Subject(s) - misoprostol , mifepristone , medicine , gestation , obstetrics , regimen , labor induction , gestational age , induction of labor , pregnancy , fetal death , abortifacient , fetus , gynecology , abortion , surgery , oxytocin , genetics , biology
Background . Both misoprostol‐alone and a combination of mifepristone plus misoprostol have been used in induction of labor in cases of intrauterine fetal death (IUFD). Methods . Data from 130 women with IUFD at 21–42 weeks of gestation were analysed retrospectively. A total of 82 women received 100 μg (median) of misoprostol at 4‐h intervals. Some 48 women received 200 mg of mifepristone, followed 19 h (median) later by single doses of 25 μg of misoprostol at 4‐h intervals. Results . The induction‐to‐delivery time did not differ between the groups (13.3 versus 12.8 h). However, between 21 and 25 weeks of gestation, the induction‐to‐delivery time was shorter with the combination regimen ( p = 0.04). The total dose of misoprostol needed was lower in the group pre‐treated with mifepristone ( p = 0.0028). The 2 groups did not differ as regards complications experienced during labor and delivery. Conclusions . Both regimens, misoprostol‐only and the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, are effective and safe in induction of labor after IUFD. Pre‐treatment with mifepristone is more effective at earlier gestational weeks.