Use of mifepristone to ripen the cervix and induce labor in term pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy of mifepristone for ripening the cervix and inducing labor in term pregnancies.


METHODS
In a double-blind placebo-controlled dose-finding study, 346 women received 50, 100, 200, 400, or 600 mg of mifepristone or placebo. The main endpoint for efficacy was the number of patients in whom labor occurred between 12 and 45 and 54 hours after treatment or who had a Bishop score 6 or greater. Maternal and fetal tolerability was also studied.


RESULTS
No significant efficacy was observed whatever the dose of mifepristone. Mifepristone was well tolerated by the mother and fetus.


CONCLUSIONS
Mifepristone, at doses up to 600 mg, does not induce labor within 54 hours in patients with unfavourable cervical status.
Berkane
Nadia
N
Department of Gynecology-Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Hôpital Tenon, Paris, France. nadia.berkane@tnn.ap-hop-paris.fr
Verstraete
Lieve
L
Uzan
Serge
S
Boog
Georges
G
Maria
Bernard
B
D000021:Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D020070:Cervical Ripening; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000021:Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal; D015735:Mifepristone