Comparative study of the outcome of induction of labor using 25 µg and 50 µg of vaginal misoprostol.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the safety and effectiveness of vaginal misoprostol 25 μg with those of 50 μg in induction of labor.


METHODS
One hundred and sixty eligible women of low parity with indications for induction of labor at term were enrolled for the study. The subjects were randomized into two groups of vaginal misoprostol 25 µg and 50 µg dose regimens. Maternal characteristics, labor and newborn outcome were compared.


RESULTS
The total duration of labor was significantly shorter in the 50 µg group (8.24 ± 1.5 h) than 25 µg group (9.09 ± 2.7 h), p = 0.02. Oxytocin augmentation was significantly higher in the 25 µg group (18.75%) than in the 50 µg group (7.5%), p = 0.04. The indications for caesarean section were significantly different, (p = 0.02) between the two groups although the incidence was similar. The intrapartum adverse effects like fetal distress, meconium stained liquor, and tachysystole were significantly higher in the 50 µg group, p = 0.003. Similarly, the postpartum adverse effects such as cervical and vaginal tears were significantly higher in 50 µg group, p = 0.01.


CONCLUSIONS
The two dose regimens were both effective in induction of labor, but 50 µg dose regimen resulted in significantly shorter duration of labor but with higher rate of labor complications than the 25 µg dose regimen.
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Perinatology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. bisiloto@yahoo.co.uk
Olabisi M
OM
Loto
Adeniran A
AA
Ikuomola
Ibrahim I
II
Ayuba
Uche
U
Onwudiegwu
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007751:Labor, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014621:Vagina / Q000187:drug effects
D010120:Oxytocics; D016595:Misoprostol