Low-dose vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor with a live fetus.
OBJECTIVE
To test the effectiveness and safety of low-dose vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor with a live fetus.


METHODS
Labor was induced in 666 pregnant women with a live fetus in the cephalic position, who had no medical complications and no history of uterine surgery. One-fourth of a 200-micrograms tablet of misoprostol (50 micrograms) was placed in the posterior vaginal fornix every 12 h for a maximum of four doses or until active labor commenced. Time from induction to delivery, side effects and neonatal outcome were evaluated.


RESULTS
Labor was successfully induced in all cases. The mean time from induction to delivery was 10.4 h. The cesarean section rate was 7.8%. There were eight perinatal deaths, six of which occurred in low birth weight fetuses. There was one case of abruptio placenta, which was less than that expected in the study population.


CONCLUSIONS
Vaginal misoprostol, in very low doses, was a remarkably efficient and safe method for induction of labor with a live fetus.
Bugalho
A
A
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Maputo Central Hospital, Mozambique.
Bique
C
C
Machungo
F
F
Faúndes
A
A
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D002585:Cesarean Section; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death / Q000209:etiology; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy
D016595:Misoprostol