Oxytocin augmentation of dysfunctional labor. III. Multiparous patients.

The effectiveness of a specific oxytocin regimen characterized by a small dose, a slow rate of oxytocin incrementation, and a specific computer-defined goal of contractile activity was evaluated. The group managed by this protocol was compared with a similar group of multiparous patients managed by the same physicians using their own choice of oxytocin therapies and electronic monitoring of intrauterine pressure. The patients managed by protocol and computer had shorter mean durations of time from onset of treatment to complete cervical dilatation and received smaller mean doses of oxytocin than the control group of patients. The most significant factor determining these results was the rate of incrementation of the oxytocin dose.