Open AccessA Comparison Of Oral Prostaglandin E2 Tablets With Intravenous Oxytocin For Stimulation Of Labor After Premature Rupture Of Membranes At Term
Author(s) -
Massil Helen Y.,
Baker Andrew C.,
Shaughn O'Brien P. M.
Publication year - 1988
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 - 10.3109/00016349809004293
Subject(s) - medicine , oxytocin , prostaglandin e2 , stimulation , preterm labor , premature labor , prostaglandin , obstetrics , term (time) , premature rupture of membranes , anesthesia , uterine contraction , pregnancy , gestation , uterus , biology , genetics , physics , quantum mechanics
Sixty‐nine patients (48 primigravidae and 21 multigravidae) with 12 hours of spontaneous premature rupture of membranes (PROM) after 36 weeks gestation were randomly allocated to receive either prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) oral tablets or intravenous oxytocin to stimulate labor. The two treatments were compared regarding stimulation‐delivery interval (SDI), analgesic requirements, maternal and fetal side effects, and patient acceptability. The mean SDI was shorter in the oxytocin group, but without statistical significance. Analgesic requirements and fetal side effects were similar in the two groups, but there was a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting in those patients receiving the maximum dose (1 mg hourly) of PGE2. On subjective assessment, clinicians considered oxytocin to be more effective (p < 0.05), while midwives felt both regimes to be equally helpful. PGE2 oral tablets were significantly (p < 0.05) more acceptable to the patients, who preferred the convenience of oral dosing, the absence of an i.v. line and the increased mobility. It is concluded that PGE2 tablets are a safe and effective method of stimulating labor following PROM, and highly acceptable to parturients. In those women in whom labor has not been established within 8 h of initiating PGE2 therapy, or in whom gastric side effects are troublesome, intravenous oxytocin should be substituted.