INDUCTION OF LABOR WITH INTRAVAGINAL ADMINISTRATION OF MISOPROSTOL

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravaginal misoprostol for labor induction. Methods: 110 s ingleton term pregnancies with or without rupture of membranes were en rolled. Fractionated doses of misoprostol were applied (50-100 mu g), every 6 h until a maximum of three doses or beginning of labor. Result s: The average interval (+/-S.D.) from vaginal application to the begi nning of active labor and to delivery were, respectively, 9.5 +/- 5.7 h and 14.8 +/- 9.5 h. Failed labor induction was observed in two cases (2%). Cesarean section rate was 14%. The incidence of tachysystole wa s 18% and hypersystole 4%, but these situations were associated with a bnormal fetal heart rate pattern (hyperstimulation) in only 3%. No mat ernal side effects and neonatal adverse effects were noted. Conclusion s: Intravaginal misoprostol administration with low doses is an effect ive and safe method for labor induction in term pregnancies, with or w ithout rupture of membranes. (C) 1998 International Federation of Gyne cology and Obstetrics.