[Prostaglandin E2 gel for labor induction in preterm pregnancy]

Endocervical prostaglandin E2 gel administration is widely accepted mean of induction of labor in pregnancy at term. Further investigation is needed to assess its usage in pregnancy below 37 weeks' gestation. The aim of this study is to analyse the course of labor, its complications and neonatal outcome in preterm deliveries induced with endocervical dinoprostone.

We conducted a retrospective study of 22 preterm deliveries induced with dinoprostone. A control group consisted of 26 pregnancies at term. The incidence of cesarean sections was comparable in both preterm and term deliveries (45 vs. 41%, p = 0.38). We found no differences in characteristics of indications of operative delivery, duration of particular stages of labor; time from dinoprostone administration to the beginning of 1st stage of labor, estimated blood loss. 1 and 5-minute Apgar scores were similar in both groups.

Endocervical prostaglandin E2 gel administration seems to be a safe method of induction of labor in preterm pregnancy.