Induction of labor with 50 and 100 microg of misoprostol: comparison of maternal and fetal outcomes

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this randomized controlled study was to compare the efficacy and the safety of different regimens of misoprostol for labor induction. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eligible women received intravaginal 100 microg, every 6 h or 50 microg every 4 h. Treatment continued until: (1) dilatation >3 cm; (2) rupture of membranes (artificial); (3) signs of uterine hyperstimulation; (4) adequate contraction pattern (three contraction/10 min). Managing clinician might use oxytocin during labor. Cesarean section rate was the main outcome that was considered variably. Other outcome measures were neonatal outcome (Apgar scores, meconium staining, and umbilical artery pH) and induction to delivery interval.

Results: A total number of 72 women received either misoprostol 100 microg (n=37), or 50 microg (n=35) randomly. The two groups had similar mean Bishops scores at induction (4.10+/-2.4 versus 4.2+/-2.1; P=0.85), rates of nulliparity, use of epidural anesthesia, and oxytocin augmentation. In two groups the number of doses of misoprostol used was similar (1.6+/-0.5 versus 1.7+/-0.3)

Conclusion: There was not any difference between the two groups in the mean+/-S.D. time to delivery (h) and cesarean rate. Likewise, there was not a significance between two groups in the rates of 5 min Apgar score, and of meconium passage.