PROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF DRUG-INDUCED LABO R BY USE OF 4-CHANNEL TOCOGRAPHY

In this study, we analysed for the first time prostaglandin- and oxyto cin-induced labour in respect of efficiency when using four-channel to cography. Material and methods: In 31 patients with FROM or prolonged pregnancy, labour was induced by cervical prostaglandin application. F our-channel tocography was initiated 2 hours after prostaglandin appli cation. With regard to efficiency, we subdivided our patients into the following groups: spontaneous delivery after one prostaglandin applic ation, spontaneous delivery after two or more applications, and Caesar ean section because of dystocia due to prolonged first stage labour. T he control group consisted of 11 patients at comparable gestational ag e who underwent an oxytocin stress test. Analysis of the data gained w as performed using a self-developed computerised interactive graphic p rogramme. Results: 72% of prostaglandin-induced labour were localised contractions; the highest rate of these contractions was found in the Caesarean section group (85%). In the group of patients whose labour t erminated in spontaneous birth after one prostaglandin application, co ntractions were most often found to begin in the right fundal area. Al l other groups demonstrated predominantly left fundal labour initiatio n. This was most evident when labour necessitated Caesarean section. C onclusion: Origin and predominance of global contractions are crucial for efficient labour induction by prostaglandin-application. In regard to these patterns, no difference could be found when labour was induc ed by prostaglandin- or oxytocin-application.