Induction of labor with oral misoprostol for premature rupture of membranes at term in women with unfavorable cervix: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral misoprostol for labor induction in women with term premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and an unfavorable cervix.


METHODS
We randomized 130 women with PROM of < or =4 h to either oral misoprostol, 50 microg, or a placebo given every 4 h for up to three doses. Intravenous oxytocin was initiated if active labor did not begin within 12 h.


RESULTS
Sixty-four women received oral misoprostol and 66 received placebo. The PROM-to-delivery interval was shorter with misoprostol than with placebo (13.7+/-5.8 vs. 20.3+/-6.8 h, respectively, P<0.05). Misoprostol significantly reduced the need for oxytocin (28.1 vs. 72.7%, P<0.001) and antibiotics (25 vs. 69.7%, P<0.001). No significant differences in cesarean section or hyperstimulation rate were noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral misoprostol given to women with unfavorable cervix soon after term PROM significantly reduces the induction-to-delivery time and the need for oxytocin and antibiotics.
Levy
Roni
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Jerusalem, Israel. roni_L@clalit.org.il
Vaisbuch
Edi
E
Furman
Boris
B
Brown
Dov
D
Volach
Vania
V
Hagay
Zion J
ZJ
D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005322:Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011247:Pregnancy
D010120:Oxytocics; D016595:Misoprostol