Vaginal Misoprostol versus high dose of oxytocin for labor induction: a comparative study

To compare the efficacy and complications of intravaginal Misoprostol with oxytocin for induction of labor this study was carried out. One hundred and ten term pregnant women with Bishop score of < or = 4 were randomized into two groups. Fifty five patients received 50 microg intravaginal Misoprostol 2 times at 6 h intervals (Misoprostol group), the second group received oxytocin infusion (6 mu min(-1)) for induction of labor (oxytocin group n = 55). The time from induction to delivery, the route of delivery, fetal outcome and maternal complications were recorded. There was no statistically significant difference regarding demographic or clinical characteristics between two groups. Induction success within the first 12 h were 80 and 33.3% for Misoprostol and oxytocin groups respectively (p<0.05). The average time from induction to delivery was 10. 6 +/- 3.7 and 17 +/- 7.2 h in the Misoprostol and oxytocin administered groups, respectively (p<0.05). The rate of vaginal delivery was significantly higher in misoprostol group (72.7%) when compared with oxytocin group (45.5%). Low Apgar score, meconium stain amniotic fluid, abnormal FHR and precipitating labor was similar in both groups (p>0.05). We concluded misoprostol 50 microg vaginally (every 6 h, up to 100 microg) safely and effectively induces labor and it is recommended for parturient women with Bishop score < or = 4 and the use of this drug could produce several beneficial effects, particularly a decrease in the incidence of cesarean delivery.