A prospective study of induction of labor with prostaglandin vaginal gel: ambulatory versus in-patient administration.
BACKGROUND
Elective induction of labour is a common obstetrical practice. Dinoprostone (prostaglandin E2 in triacetin base gel) has been shown to be an effective and fairly safe agent for this purpose in inpatient settings. Currently published work does not assess the effectiveness and safety of dinoprostone in an ambulatory setting.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the difference between inpatient and outpatient use of dinoprostone for elective induction of labour with regard to effectiveness, safety, length of hospital stay, and patient satisfaction.


METHODS
A prospective non-randomized study, in which two groups of low risk obstetrical patients who were undergoing elective induction of labour were studied. The outpatient group was drawn from Regina Health District while the inpatient (control group) was drawn from Saskatoon. The maternal and fetal morbidity was compared in both groups as well as the efficacy, length of hospital stay and degree of patient satisfaction.


RESULTS
There were statistically significant reductions in the length of hospital stay and greater patient satisfaction in the outpatient group. No difference was found in efficacy and safety of prostaglandin use.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that ambulatory use of prostaglandin gel for induction of labour reduces the length of hospital stay, and leads to greater patient satisfaction. Further randomized studies with a larger number of patients are needed to evaluate the safety of this agent in an ambulatory setting.
Awartani
K A
KA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Saskatchewan, Royal University Hospital, Saskatoon, Canada.
Turnell
R W
RW
Olatunbosun
O A
OA
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D015232:Dinoprostone; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D007902:Length of Stay; D010120:Oxytocics; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies
D005782:Gels; D010120:Oxytocics; D015232:Dinoprostone