Oral Misoprostol vs Intravenous Oxytocin Infusion for Induction of Labor in Prelabor Rupture of Membranes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objectives To compare the efficacy, side effects and safety of oral misoprostol to intravenous oxytocin infusion for induction of labor in prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM). Materials and methods Two hundred and sixty-six women of prelabor rupture of membranes were assigned to receive either oral misoprostol 100 μg 6 hourly to a maximum 3 doses (misoprostol group, n = 142), or escalating doses of oxytocin infusion up to 20 mIU/min in primigravida and up to 10 mIU/min in multigravida (oxytocin group, n = 114). Results Demographic characteristics were similar in both the groups. The difference in mean induction to delivery interval (8.2 ± 6 hours in misoprostol group vs 12.2 ± 6 hours in oxytocin group) was statistically significant when two groups were compared. The incidence of vaginal delivery (86.1% in misoprostol group vs 84.2% in oxytocin group), and cesarean delivery (13.9% in misoprostol group vs 15.8% in oxytocin group), was almost similar in both the groups. The indication of cesarean delivery was dystocia (40% in misoprostol group vs 67% in oxytocin group), and fetal distress (60% in misoprostol group vs 33% in oxytocin group) and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.01). Maternal and neonatal safety outcomes were similar for the two treatments. Conclusion Oral misoprostol in prelabor rupture of membrane have almost similar results as intravenous oxytocin in safety, efficacy and side effects except induction delivery interval, which is less in misoprostol group. How to cite this article Anjum S, Sharma R. Oral Misoprostol vs Intravenous Oxytocin Infusion for Induction of Labor in Prelabor Rupture of Membranes. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2016;8(1):4-7.