Continued versus discontinued oxytocin stimulation in the active phase of induced labour: Factors associated with unexpectedly high rates of conversion to open label oxytocin in the CONDISOX trial

Abstract

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the factors associated with unexpectedly high rates of conversion to open label oxytocin in the CONDISOX trial of continuation versus discontinuation of oxytocin infusion during induced labour.DesignSecondary retrospective analysis of data from a prospective randomised controlled trial.SettingNine hospitals in Denmark and one in the Netherlands between 8 April 2016 and 30 June 2020.Population or sample1200 women having labour induced.MethodsAnalysis of outcomes by actual management.Main outcome measuresMode of delivery and associated variables.ResultsSwitching to open label oxytocin (42.4% overall) was associated with nulliparity, an unripe cervix, larger babies and higher rates of delivery by caesarean section.ConclusionsIn the CONDISOX trial, slow labour was associated with features suggesting a higher ‘resistance to progress’, often prompting the use of open‐label oxytocin infusion rather than study medication.