Prospective randomised controlled trial to compare safety and efficacy of intravaginal Misoprostol with intracervical Cerviprime for induction of labour with unfavourable cervix

Summary

A randomised prospective trial was carried out to compare the efficacy and safety of intravaginal Misoprostol with intracervical dinoprostone gel for induction of labour in cases of unfavourable cervix. One hundred women with an unfavourable cervix requiring induction of labour were randomised to receive either 25 µm vaginal Misoprostol 4-hourly or 0.5 mg of intracervical dinoprostone 12 hourly. The outcome measured was change in Bishop's score, percentage of women going into labour, induction to delivery interval, need for oxytocin, mode of delivery and complications. The parity, mean period of gestation and Bishop's score were similar in both the groups. The improvement in Bishop's score at 12 h was significantly better in the Misoprostol group. Induction to delivery interval was shorter in the Misoprostol group, 16.59 ± 5.13 h vs 27.77 ± 12.71 h. The rate of complications was comparable. Vaginal Misoprostol 25 µg 4-hourly is safe and effective for induction of labour with shorter induction to delivery interval.

Keywords:

• Induction of labour
• Misoprostol
• Cerviprime