Extra-amniotic prostaglandin induction of labour supplemented with intravenous oxytocin following fetal death in utero.
A five year retrospective study (1984-1989) was undertaken on 24 consecutive patients with fetal death to ascertain the efficacy, side effects and complications associated with a combination of extra-amniotic prostaglandin E and intravenous oxytocin to induce labour. Six patients with primigravidae and eighteen multigravidae with inductions carried out at gestations ranging from 16 to 37 weeks (mean 26 weeks and 3 days). The estimated time from fetal death to induction ranged from 1 day to 3 weeks (mean 8 days). Induction was successful in all cases with a mean induction to delivery time of 9 hours and 30 minutes. The mean dose of prostaglandin required was 0.914 gms and of oxotocin 12.78 I.U.s. Minor side effects were experienced by 16% of patients though none were serious. This series confirms the combination of extra-amniotic prostaglandin and intravenous oxytocin as an effective means of inducing labour where fetal death has occurred.
Kehoe
S
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College, Galway.
Mylotte
M J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011458:Prostaglandins E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D011458:Prostaglandins E; D010121:Oxytocin