Induction of labor in prolonged pregnancy with unfavorable cervix: comparison of sequential intracervical Foley catheter-intravaginal misoprostol and intravaginal misoprostol alone.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the outcome of induced labor at term using sequential intracervical Foley catheter with intravaginal misoprostol versus intravaginal misoprostol alone.


METHODS
A prospective matched case control study among parturient with prolonged pregnancy and unfavorable cervix at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria.


RESULTS
The study population was 100 with a mean age of 29.46 ± 3.88 years. Parturient with prior cervical priming using intracervical Foley catheter had significantly lower oxytocin augmentation of uterine contractions in labor (44 vs. 64%, P = 0.045), shorter mean insertion to active phase labor duration (233 ± 98 vs. 354 ± 154 min, P = 0.0001), shorter insertion to delivery interval (514 ± 175 vs. 627 ± 268, P = 0.014), more vaginal delivery <12 h (92.5 vs. 60%, P = 0.001) and less delivery by caesarean section (20 vs. 40%, P = 0.029).


CONCLUSIONS
The sequential combination of intracervical Foley catheter and intravaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening and induction of labor appears to be a safe and more effective method compared to intravaginal misoprostol in parturient at term with unfavorable cervices.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. anibaba15@yahoo.co.uk
A Babatunde
AB
Ande
C Michael
CM
Ezeanochie
N Biodun
NB
Olagbuji
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002404:Catheterization; D020070:Cervical Ripening / Q000187:drug effects; D002584:Cervix Uteri; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011273:Pregnancy, Prolonged / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D047929:Term Birth
D010120:Oxytocics; D016595:Misoprostol