Induction of labor utilizing vaginal vs. intracervical prostaglandin E2.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy of intracervical vs. vaginal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel for induction of labor.


METHODS
Sixty-eight women scheduled for elective induction of labor at term were randomized to receive either 0.5 mg intracervical PGE2 (I/C group, n = 37) or 2 mg vaginal PGE2 gel (Vag group, n = 31) on a 6-hourly basis for a maximum of three doses.


RESULTS
Three participants who delivered by cesarean section soon after gel administration were excluded from further analysis. Twenty-nine of 30 (97%) in the Vag group were successfully induced compared with 23 of 35 (66%) in the I/C group (P < 0.01). The induction-active labor intervals were 8.0 +/- 5.4 h for the Vag group and 23.1 +/- 27.6 h for the I/C group (P = 0.002). The induction-delivery intervals were 12.4 +/- 6.3 h for the Vag group and 29.8 +/- 29.1 h for the I/C group (P = 0.001). Uterine hyperstimulation and perinatal outcome were similar in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Vaginal PGE2 was more efficacious than intracervical PGE2 in inducing labor.
Seeras
R C
RC
West Dorset Hospital, Dorchester, UK.
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects*; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D011247:Pregnancy; D013997:Time Factors
D005782:Gels; D015232:Dinoprostone