[Randomized comparative study of induced labor with oxytocin and misoprostol in prolonged pregnancies]

The efficacy of oxytocin for induction of labor at 41 to 42 weeks of gestational age, was compared with misoprostol (a PGE1 analog) in 100 pregnant women. Half a tablet containing 100 mcg of misoprostol was placed intravaginally in 50 women and the remaining 50 received iv oxytocin (2-32 mU/min). The obstetric features were similar in both groups. Delivery within 24 hours was achieved in 88% of the patients induced with misoprostol and in 72% with oxytocin (p < 0.05). The mean time from induction to delivery was similar, 10.3-10.9 hrs (p NS) and no differences in obstetric and perinatal outcomes were found. Polisystoly with misoprostol, was the only side effect observed in the study (11.4%), and was without neonatal consequences.

intravaginal misoprostol (100 mcg), is more effective, cheaper and less stressful than IVI oxytocin in post term inductions. The safety profiles of both were similar.