Concurrent versus sequential methods for labor induction at term.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and safety of the concurrent administration of oxytocin and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) for induction of labor at term, prompt delivery, and good maternal and neonatal outcomes.


METHODS
In this comparative cohort study of 70 women conducted in Pakistan, 35 were given oxytocin and PGE2 concurrently and 35 were given the drugs sequentially for labor induction. Two-sample t tests and x(2) tests were used for the evaluation of continuous and categorical data, respectively.


RESULTS
The mean induction to delivery time was shorter by 2.4 h in the concurrent treatment group (P<0.001), and the proportion of vaginal deliveries was higher in that group.


CONCLUSIONS
The concurrent method of induction of labor resulted in shorter induction to delivery time and a higher proportion of vaginal deliveries.
Khan
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RA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan. rafea200@yahoo.com <rafea200@yahoo.com>
Khan
Z E
ZE
Ashraf
O
O
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D015232:Dinoprostone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D047929:Term Birth
D010120:Oxytocics; D010121:Oxytocin; D015232:Dinoprostone