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Randomized double-blind placebo controlled study of preinduction cervical priming with 25 µg of misoprostol in the outpatient setting to prevent formal induction of labour

  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Published:
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Abstract

Objective

To compare the efficacy of preinduction outpatient use of a single dose of 25 μg vaginal misoprostol between 381/2 and 40 weeks with that of placebo, to decrease the interval from intervention to delivery after stretch and sweep in low-risk gravid women with Bishop’s score <4.

Method

Sixty three women received 25 μg vaginal misoprostol and 63 women received placebo after stretch and sweep.

Results

The duration from intervention to delivery was 3.35 (1.12–9.46) days in the misoprostol group and 5.42 (2.39–10.11) days in the placebo group which was statistically significant (p = 0.029). Spontaneous labor was seen in 39 women (61.9 %) in the misoprostol group and 35 women (55.6 %) in the placebo group (p = 0.531). Eight women in the misoprostol group and 18 in the placebo group had Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) and this difference was also statistically significant (p = 0.027). There were no major maternal and neonatal complications in both groups.

Conclusion

Preinduction use of 25 μg vaginal misoprostol after stretch and sweep in the outpatient setting decreased the intervention to delivery interval when compared to placebo.

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Correspondence to Jiji Elizabeth Mathews.

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PonMalar, J., Benjamin, S.J., Abraham, A. et al. Randomized double-blind placebo controlled study of preinduction cervical priming with 25 µg of misoprostol in the outpatient setting to prevent formal induction of labour. Arch Gynecol Obstet 295, 33–38 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-016-4173-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-016-4173-z

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