OXYTOCIN INDUCTION OF LABOR - A COMPARISON OF 20-MIN AND 60-MIN DOSE INCREMENT LEVELS

Objectives: To compare the efficacy and complications of oxytocin dose increments at 20- and 60-min intervals for induction of labor in wome n with low parity. Methods: One hundred women of low parity requiring induction of labor were randomly allocated to 20- and 60-min oxytocin dose increments, 50 patients in each group. The basal oxytocin dose wa s 1 milliunit/min and doubling of the oxytocin dose was done at interv als of 20 and 60 min. Results: The group with 60-min increments had a decreased incidence of uterine hyperstimulation, cesarean section and operative vaginal delivery. The induction-delivery interval was simila r in both groups. Conclusion: The oxytocin infusion regimen with incre ments at 60-min intervals is safer than and equally effective as 20-mi n incremental intervals.