[Experiences with labor induction at term with a PGE2 gel (Prepidil Gel) in unripe cervix]

The induction of labour was started with an intracervical administration of 0.5 mg PGE2-Gel (Prepidil) in 30 gravidae at or near term with an unripe score of the cervix and for a medical indication. After excluding patients, where labour had already started subsequent to this measure, induction of labour was continued randomised with PGE2-gel intravaginal versus intravenous oxytocin. The progress of labour, the neonatal condition, and paraclinic values were examined. In 11 cases, labour had already started after the intracervical administration of PGE2. The Bishop-score of the other gravidae was improved in the mean from 2.5 +/- 1.1 to 5.5 +/- 1.7. Was the induction carried out with PGE2 vaginal, the rate of success rose to 5 of 9, and after infusion of oxytocin in 6 of 10 cases. The continued PGE2 vaginal inductions were insignificantly slower (p greater than 5%) than the inductions continued which oxytocin. The mean duration of labour was 7.7 +/- 3.4 hours in the PGE2-group and 4.5 +/- 2.6 hours in the oxytocin group. No disadvantages resulted for mother and child from the vaginal administration of PGE2. Because of the high rate of acceptance, vaginal administration of PGE2 is a suitable method for the safe induction of labour.