Labor Induction with 50 μg Vaginal Misoprostol: Can We Reduce Induction-Delivery Intervals Safely?

Objective To compare the efficacy and safety profile of two methods of labor induction i.e., intracervical dinoprostone gel (0.5 mg 8 h) and misoprostol (50 μg 4 h) for induction of labor in women with a poor Bishop’s score. Design Observational study. Study Period January 1st, 2009 to December 31st, 2010. Population A total of 329 women with unfavorable cervices induced at or near term. Methods Two cervical ripening agent study arms were used: dinoprostone gel (193 women) and misoprostol (137 women). Main Outcome Measures Induction to delivery interval, cesarean section, incidence of meconium stained liquor, FHR pattern, incidence of uterine hyperstimulation, and neonatal outcomes. Results The induction to delivery interval was significantly shorter in the misoprostol group as compared to the dinoprostone group ( p