A comparison between intravaginal and oral misoprostol for labor induction: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness and safety between intravaginal and oral misoprostol for labor induction.


METHODS
One hundred and six pregnant women at term with unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < or = 4) and no contraindication to prostaglandin therapy were randomized to receive either intravaginal misoprostol 50 microg every 4 h or oral misoprostol 50 microg every 4 h for prospective randomized controlled trial study. Treatment interval from induction to vaginal delivery, maternal and neonatal complications were the main outcome measures.


RESULTS
There were no statistical differences of baseline characteristics and Bishop score prior to intervention between both groups. Time interval from induction to vaginal delivery in the oral group was slightly, but significantly, longer than that of the intravaginal group (886.1 +/- 443.5 min vs 637.0 +/- 373.3 min, respectively.) Additionally, the number of doses required was significantly higher in the oral group. Nonetheless, there was no significant difference between both groups with regard to failure of induction and maternal-neonatal complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness in terms of failed induction and safety were comparable between intravaginal and oral misoprostol, but intravaginal route was better with respect to treatment interval and number of required doses. Both routes of administration can alternatively be used for labor induction.
Nopdonrattakoon
Lek
L
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maesot General Hospital, Tak, Thailand. leknop89@hotmail.com
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome
D016595:Misoprostol