[Experiences in 2,149 labor inductions using 3 mg prostaglandin E2 vaginal tablets. A retrospective analysis]

This study is a retrospective analysis of induction of labour by means of PGE2 tablets, one group being electively, the other group medically indicated; in all, 2149 primi- and multiparae during a period of 5 years. Application of the vaginal tablets containing 3 mg PGE2 was effected every 6 hours. Low-risk women stayed mobile up to the amniocentesis performed at about 4-5 cm. Patients with specific risks or spontaneous ruptures of the membranes were supervised correspondingly. About 80% of the primiparae, respectively 90% of the multiparae of the elective induction group delivered within 24 hours after the first application of a vaginal tablet. The rate of Caesarian sections was extremely low. As expected in patients in whom induction of labour was necessary usually before term, the percentage of successful inductions was lower and the rate of Caesarian sections higher. The foetal outcome in both groups in respect of Apgar scores, and the blood gases of the umbilical cord as well as length and weight ranged within the normal limits. The cleared perinatal mortality was 0% (1 congenital defect with death). This study shows that the good results of prospective studies with a smaller number of cases can be confirmed by a retrospective analysis of an extensive group of patients, demonstrating the increasing acceptance of induction of labour by means of PGE2 tablets in elective as well as in medical indications.