Open AccessVaginal misoprostol as an alternative to oxytocin for induction of labor in women with late fetal death
Author(s) -
Bugalho Antonio,
Bique Cassimo,
Machungo Fernanda,
Bergström Staffan
Publication year - 1995
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 - 10.3109/00016349509008937
Subject(s) - misoprostol , medicine , oxytocin , obstetrics , labor induction , fetus , vaginal delivery , induction of labor , pregnancy , gynecology , abortion , genetics , biology
Background . Induction of labor in women with late fetal death is often difficult in settings with scarce resources. The purpose of this study was to assess the value of vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor in women with such fetal death. Methods . In Maputo 156 women with late fetal death were allotted in a non‐randomised way to either vaginal misoprostol or intravenous infusion of oxytocin. Treatment outcomes were compared as to cost‐effectiveness and safety. In the misoprostol group none received more than 800 µg. Oxytocin infusion followed an established routine. Statistical analyses were performed by EPI Info software. Results . In cases with Bishop's score <6 the induction‐to‐delivery interval averaged 14.8 hours in the misoprostol group and 31.0 hours in the oxytocin group (p=0.001). The corresponding values for women with Bishop's score <6 were 6.6 and 8.7 hours, respectively ( p =0.4). Women with intact membranes had an induction‐to‐delivery interval of 13.8 hours in the misoprostol group and 26.9 hours in the oxytocin group ( p =0.002). The corresponding values in women with ruptured membranes were 7.8 and 10.5 hours, respectively ( p=0.6 ). Successful induction was achieved in 81% of misoprostol‐treated women at a dose of 100 pg or less. Conclusions . Vaginal misoprostol is a safe, low‐cost drug particularly suitable in women of high average parity having late, fetal death.