[Prostaglandin-induced labor--is the prostaglandin E2 vaginal gel a "new" alternative?]

In Germany, intracervical application of 0.5 mg PGE2 gel and the 3 mg PGE2 vaginal tablet are registered for induction of labour. Both methods are highly effective; however, the are associated with several problems in practice. Major problems of the intracervical route are the strict application of the gel into the cervical canal, not spreading it to the vaginal and/or extra-amniotic space, the "technical" difficulties of application in cases of an unfavourable cervix in a posterior position and the risk of artificial rupture of the membranes. The problems with the PGE2 vaginal tablet are the incalculable release and absorption, the unpredictable clinical response and the unclear definition of CTG monitoring intervals. The application of the 2 mg PGE2 vaginal gel has proved an efficient and practicable method for induction of labour in both the unfavourable and the favourable cervix. The advantages over the intracervical procedure are in particular the practicability and safety of administration, even in "anatomically" difficult situations (e.g., narrow cervical canal); the advantages over the PGE2 vaginal tablet are greater bioavailability with a quicker release and absorption, the more predictable clinical response and the closer correlation with the subsequent changes in cervical scores. Since well-defined comparative studies are lacking, no definite conclusions can so far be drawn regarding the method of choice for induction of labour. Recently, a prospective, randomised multi-centre study has gone under way to clarify this question.