Prostaglandin E2 in tylose gel for cervical ripening before induction of labor

Two hundred seventeen women who received 3 mg of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel applied to the cervix followed by adjunctive oxytocin were compared to 94 patients whose labor was induced with oxytocin alone (OA). Postdatism, pregnancy-induced hypertension and rupture of the membranes were the major indications for induction of labor, accounting for 70% of the PGE2 group and 88% of the OA group. Mean initial cervical scores were found to be significantly less favorable among PGE2 patients as compared with OA patients. Though PGE2 was associated with a significant improvement in mean cervical scores, responsiveness of the cervix to PGE2, as determined by clinical examination, was not necessary for a successful induction. Failed inductions were infrequent in both groups. Nulliparous PGE2 patients with unfavorable cervical scores had fewer cesarean sections (CSs) and shorter labors than did their OA counterparts. Complications were uncommon but largely due to the subsequent use of oxytocin. Patients with prior CSs were safely induced following PGE2 cervical ripening.