Oral or vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor.
OBJECTIVE
To compare vaginal versus oral misoprostol for induction of labor.


METHODS
Induction of labor was carried out in 40 women near term in two equal and randomized groups (according to a computer generated table) using misoprostol. Group I received vaginal misoprostol (100 micrograms) every 3 h while group II patients were given the same dose via the oral route. The dose was doubled if no response was detected under continuous cardiotocographic (CTG) tracings.


RESULTS
The vaginal route of administration induced a higher success rate in a shorter time interval using a lower dose but was associated with more abnormal FHR patterns and instances of uterine hyperstimulation.


CONCLUSIONS
It is recommended to use the vaginal approach with cardiotocographic monitoring.
Toppozada
M K
MK
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alexandria, Egypt.
Anwar
M Y
MY
Hassan
H A
HA
el-Gazaerly
W S
WS
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D015148:Cardiotocography; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010120:Oxytocics; D016595:Misoprostol