COMPARISON OF ORAL AND VAGINAL ADMINISTRATION OF MISOPROSTOL FOR INDUCTION OF LABOR IN SOUTH INDIAN WOMAN- A HOSPITAL BASED EXPERIMENTAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: In modern obstetrics, around 30% of cases require induction of labour for various reasons. Misoprostol is gaining popularity as pharmacological inducing agent, though the route and dosage of administration are not standardised.

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of the oral (50 mcg 4th hourly) and vaginal (25 mcg 4th hourly) routes of misoprostol administration for induction of labour at term.

Methods: 180 women at full term and post term gestation were selected in two equal groups. One group provided with oral and another group provided with vaginal administration of misoprostol drug for the labor induction.

Results: Study demonstrated that 50 mcg oral misoprostol was more effective at induction of labor at 38- 40 week pregnancy than vaginal misoprostol. However, occurrence of lesser incidence of meconium-stained liquor and NICU admissions and fewer caesareans with better neonatal outcome in women induced with oral misoprostol outweighs its advantages over the vaginal misoprostol.

Conclusion: Orally administered 50 mcg misoprostol is highly effective cervical ripener and labor inducing agent than vaginal misoprostol, but its use demands close monitoring for uterine contractile abnormalities.

Keywords:Induction Of Labor, Oral Misoprostol, Prostaglandin, Vaginal Misoprostol, dinoprostone