Induction of labor by prostaglandin E(2) in relation to the Bishop score.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of prostaglandin E(2) intravaginal gel with the intracervical gel in patients with an unfavorable cervix.


METHODS
In a prospective multicenter trial 470 patients with unfavorable Bishop scores (3-4) were randomized to receive prostaglandin vaginal gel (2 mg) or intracervical gel (0.5 mg).


RESULTS
In patients with unfavorable Bishop scores the intravaginal application route resulted in a better cervical ripening, a shorter induction to delivery interval and a higher cumulative rate of deliveries during 24 h (P=0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Intravaginal instillation of prostaglandin E(2) gel for induction of labor is effective in patients with an unfavorable Bishop score of 3-4.
Kemp
B
B
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Technical University Hospital of Aachen, Aachen, Germany. birgit.kemp@post.rwth-aachen.de
Winkler
M
M
Rath
W
W
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D020070:Cervical Ripening / Q000187:drug effects*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000187:drug effects*; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D005782:Gels; D010120:Oxytocics; D015232:Dinoprostone