[Local application of PGE2 by means of a cervical cap for the induction of labor].

206 pregnant women (36th to 42nd week of gestation) with low cervix scores were treated with an aqueous solution of PGE2 and NaCl applied peri-cervically by means of a portio adapter. In 169 cases (82%) labor was induced. In 29 patients (14.1%) the cervix was sufficiently ripened in order to allow successful induction by amniotomy. 11 patients (6.5%) were delivered by caesarean section, 7 (4.1%) by low forceps, all others delivered spontaneously. Time of delivery was short; no side effects were observed. Apgar scores and serum bilirubin levels of 30 neonates showed no differences to the control group consisting of 30 babies born after spontaneous onset of labor. In a second control group with labor induction by means of intravenous oxytocin infusion more than twice as many icteric neonates were found.