[Prostaglandin E2--an effective alternative for the induction of labor]

The authors aimed at studying the local application of PgE2 as a method of labor induction. 50 pregnant women divided into 3 groups were studied: I with Prostin E2 - vaginal tablets of 3 mg. Dinoprostone. II with Prepidil gel - 0.5 mg. Dinfprostone, applied intracervically and III with additional stimulation with Oxytocin - 5 E as an i.v. infusion. The criteria used were: parity, gestational age, Bishop score indications for induction. Success is considered as normal delivery by the 24th hour. Indications for PgE2 application are prematurity praeeclampsia, fetal malformations, fetal death, grave obstetrics history, RH incompatibility. It was discovered that with Prostin E2, the active phase of labor is reduced thus leading to reduction of labor. The frequency of operative deliveries also reduced and there were better fetal outcome. Two important advantages were discovered--simple application and physiologic advantages--the woman in labor is mobile and thus not traumatised. The authors stress that PgE2 application can be considered an effective method for labor induction.