A comparison of 100 microg oral misoprostol every 3 hours and 6 hours for labor induction: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the efficacy and safety of 100 microg oral misoprostol for induction of labor between the regimen of 3 hour and 6 hour interval administration.


METHODS
Singleton pregnancies indicated for induction of labor between 34 and 42 weeks of gestation in the condition of unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < or = 4) and no contraindication for prostaglandins therapy were recruited into the study. All pregnant women were randomly assigned to receive 100 microg oral misoprostol every 3 hours or 6 hours until the cervix was favorable for amniotomy, spontaneous rupture of membranes or active labor occurred.


RESULTS
The mean time interval from induction to vaginal delivery was significantly shorter in the 3 hour interval group, compared with the 6 hour interval group (13.82 +/- 6.98h and 17.66 +/- 7.48h, P = 0.0019). There was no significant difference between the groups with regard to mode of delivery, analgesic requirement, maternal complication and neonatal outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
100 microg oral misoprostol every 3 hours is more effective for labor induction than every 6 hours but there was no difference in mode of delivery, analgesic requirement, maternal complications and neonatal outcome. A dose of 100 microg misoprostol orally every 3 hours seems to be the optimum regimen and the new option for labor induction. However, further study should be performed.
Pongsatha
Saipin
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand. spongsat@mail.med.cmu.ac.th
Sirisukkasem
Suppachai
S
Tongsong
Theera
T
D000328:Adult; D016362:Analgesia, Obstetrical; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D010120:Oxytocics; D016595:Misoprostol