Prostaglandin E2 vaginal gel--a new formulation for the induction of labour

In order to evaluate the efficacy of prostaglandin E2 gel in the induction of labour it was compared with a routine method of induction by oxytocin titration. A total of 50 patients were randomly allocated to two groups; 25 patients received intravaginal prostaglandin E2 gel and 25 oxytocin infusion. In both groups amniotomy was performed once the patient was in the active phase of labour. Successful outcome was regarded as established labour within 12 hours of commencement of the trial. In the oxytocin group this was achieved in 88% of multiparas and 75% of primigravidas. In the prostaglandin group the outcome was successful in 82% of multiparas and 75% of primigravidas.