INDUCTION OF LABOR WITH PROSTAGLANDINS IN NEWBORN-INFANTS BELOW 2500 GRAMS

In a multicenter study the deliveries of 127 newborn infants with a bi rth weight less than 2500 grams were evaluated after induction of labo ur using prostaglandins, among them 90 infants with a birth weight bel ow the 10. percentile in relation to the gestational age. The control group were 1566 deliveries of newborns with normal weight, delivered a t term after induction with prostaglandins. The rate of vaginal delive ries was 67.6% in the group of newborns weighing less than 2500 grams and 84.1% in the control group. The rate of acidotic newborns (pH<7.20 ) was remarkably higher in newborns below 2500 grams (12.6%), especial ly in the subgroup of growth retarded newborns (16.7%), when compared to the control group (9.5%). Tn primiparae with fetal growth retardati on and law Bishop score the induction of labour with prostaglandins re sulted in an insufficient progress of labour. In this subgroup the rat e of cesarean deliveries was 83.3%. Induction of labour was substantia lly more successfull after premature rupture of membranes. The most fa vourable results were achieved in multiparae after premature rupture o f membranes which resulted in vaginal deliveries in 94.5% of cases ind ependent of gestational age.