High-dose vaginal misoprostol versus concentrated oxytocin plus low-dose vaginal misoprostol for midtrimester labor induction: a randomized trial.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and side effects of a high-dose vaginal misoprostol regimen to concentrated intravenous oxytocin plus low-dose vaginal misoprostol for midtrimester labor induction.


METHODS
Women at 14 to 24 weeks, with obstetric or fetal indications for delivery and no prior cesarean, were randomly assigned to receive either vaginal misoprostol 600 microg x 1, then 400 microg every 4 hours x 5 (group 1) or escalating dose-concentrated oxytocin infusions (277-1667 mU/min) plus vaginal misoprostol 400 microg x 1, then 200 microg every 6 hours x 2, then 100 microg x 1 (group 2). Analysis was by intent to treat. Primary outcomes were live birth rate and induction-to-delivery interval.


RESULTS
The intended sample size was 70 women per group; however, the trial was terminated at the initial interim analysis because of a highly significant difference in 1 of the primary study outcomes. Twenty women were assigned to group 1 and 18 were assigned to group 2. Median induction-to-delivery interval was significantly shorter in group 1 (12 hours, range 4-44 hours) versus group 2 (18 hours, range 7-36 hours; P = .01). Induction success rate at 12 hours was significantly higher in group 1 (60%) compared with group 2 (22%, P = .02). No significant difference was noted in the live birth rate between groups 1 and 2 (13%, 0%, P = .16). The incidence of retained placenta requiring curettage, chorioamnionitis, intrapartum fever, nausea, emesis, and diarrhea were similar between both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Compared with concentrated oxytocin plus low-dose vaginal misoprostol, high-dose vaginal misoprostol significantly shortens midtrimester labor inductions.
Nuthalapaty
Francis S
FS
Center for Research in Women's Health, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
Ramsey
Patrick S
PS
Biggio
Joseph R
JR
Owen
John
J
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D013997:Time Factors
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D010120:Oxytocics; D016595:Misoprostol; D010121:Oxytocin