Low dose intravaginal misoprostol versus intracervical baloon catheter for pre-induction cervical ripening.
BACKGROUND
The efficacy and safety of low dose misoprostol as a ripening agent compared to the widely used balloon catheter in developing countries is undetermined.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the safety and efficacy of a low dose intravaginal misoprostol and intracervical Foley's catheter for cervical ripening.


METHODS
A prospective randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Zonal General Hospital, Kwale, Nigeria from June 1, 1998 to May 30, 2001.


METHODS
Candidates for pre-induction cervical ripening were randomized to receive either 250 mcg of intravaginal misoprostol every four hours (n = 60) or intracervical Foley's catheter (n = 61).


METHODS
Failure to achieve cervical ripening within 24 hours, need for augmentation, maternal and foetal complications.


RESULTS
Failure to achieve cervical ripening within two hours was reduced with misoprostol (Relative Risk [RR] 0.63, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.43 - 0.92). Need for oxytocin augmentation was less in the misoprostol group (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.91). No significant differences existed in rates for uterine hyperstimulation, Caesarean section, maternal and neonatal morbidity.


CONCLUSIONS
Intravaginal misoprostol in a low dose was compared to intracervical balloon catheter for pre-induction ripening of the cervix.
Tabowei
T O
TO
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Zonal General Hospital, Kwale, Delta State, Nigeria.
Oboro
V O
VO
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D020070:Cervical Ripening / Q000187:drug effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000209:etiology; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010120:Oxytocics; D016595:Misoprostol