[Randomized comparative study of induced labor with oxytocin and misoprostol in prolonged pregnancies].

UNLABELLED

The efficacy of oxytocin for induction of labor at 41 to 42 weeks of gestational age, was compared with misoprostol (a PGE1 analog) in 100 pregnant women. Half a tablet containing 100 mcg of misoprostol was placed intravaginally in 50 women and the remaining 50 received iv oxytocin (2-32 mU/min). The obstetric features were similar in both groups. Delivery within 24 hours was achieved in 88% of the patients induced with misoprostol and in 72% with oxytocin (p < 0.05). The mean time from induction to delivery was similar, 10.3-10.9 hrs (p NS) and no differences in obstetric and perinatal outcomes were found. Polisystoly with misoprostol, was the only side effect observed in the study (11.4%), and was without neonatal consequences.

CONCLUSION

intravaginal misoprostol (100 mcg), is more effective, cheaper and less stressful than IVI oxytocin in post term inductions. The safety profiles of both were similar.