Use of Prostaglandin E2 for Cervical Ripening in Pregnancies with Oligohydramnios

The effectiveness of intracervical prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was studied in 96 primigravidas with unfavorable cervix and need for induction of labor. Group A consisted of 49 oligohydramnios and group B of 47 cases with normal amniotic fluid volume (controls). A single dose of 0.5 mg PGE2 gel was applied intracervically and several parameters were recorded during the next hours. The mean number of uterine contractions increased during the first 2 h in both groups, decreased during the next one and did not change significantly afterwards. The mean fetal heart rate (FHR) in group A decreased during the first 2 h and then increased, staying always within normal limits. The mean FHR in group B increased for 2 h, decreased during the next hour and did not change significantly afterwards. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding mode of delivery, Apgar score and neonatal acidosis. Intracervical PGE2 appeared to effectively stimulate cervical ripening and labor induction in oligohydramnios, without causing side effects to the uterus and fetus.