Unsuccessful misoprostol induction in pregnant women: an integrative review

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the evidence available in literature regarding unsuccessful labor induction with misoprostol in full-term pregnancies. Methods: This is an integrative review, carried out between January and November 2022, whose research question and descriptors were outlined using the PECO strategy. The searches were carried out in the MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, EMBASE and Scopus databases by two researchers independently as well as assessment. For the study selection and identification phase, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was used. The risk of bias assessment of included articles was carried out using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: A total of 3,674 articles were identified, and 84 were read in full, of which 11 comprised the review (n=9,010 pregnant women), published between 2005 and 2021, with the majority in the United States. Regarding the level of evidence, all articles were classified as 2b, assessed according to the design of each study. The study showed evidence regarding the following factors: High BMI (greater than 30 kg/m2), nulliparity, immature bishop, cervical length (greater than 30 mm), height, ethnicity (non-Caucasians from southern Europe) and fetal weight (greater equal to 4 kg). Conclusion: The objective study was achieved, having demonstrated six maternal factors and one fetal factor that can lead to unsuccessful induction. It is worth highlighting the need for evidence that incorporates the individuality of each characteristic and the contribution of this study to support the choice of the best conduct for each pregnancy on an individual basis stands out.