Induced labour with prostaglandin E2 in different parity groups after premature rupture of membranes

The study compared the outcome of induction of labour with prostaglandin E2 vaginal tablets in patients with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) at term in different parity groups. A retrospective review was made of the hospital records of 169 women attending the maternity unit of King Faisal Military Hospital, Saudi Arabia. There were no statistically significant differences between the 3 groups (parity 0, parity 1-4 and parity 5+) in rates of labour augmentation, caesarean sections, neonatal intensive care admissions or low Apgar scores. There were no serious complications of induction of labour such as infection or uterine hyperstimulation or rupture. Prostaglandin E2 may be used with care for labour induction in women with PROM at term, even grand multiparas, unless there is history of previous caesarean delivery.