Cervical ripening and induction of delivery by local administration of prostaglandin E2 gel or vaginal tablets is equally effective.

BACKGROUND

Prostaglandin E2 for local application has been widely used for preinduction cervical ripening in cases presenting with an unfavorable cervical state. The optimal way of administering prostaglandin E2, however, remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of multiple application of 0.5 mg Minprostin intracervical Gel to the effect of 3 mg Minprostin vaginal tablets in priming the uterine cervix and inducing labor in an open, prospective, randomised study.

METHODS

PGE2 was applied up to three times a day for two days until ripening was obtained or labor induced. In case no progress took place amniotomy was performed and i.v. oxytocin stimulation one hour later if necessary. A total of 208 pregnant women, consecutively admitted for induction of delivery, with Bishop Scores 0-5, were included.

RESULTS

Minprostin gel (group I) and Minprostin tablets (group II) were equally effective in ripening the cervix. Delivery within 48 hours was achieved in 59% and 63% respectively. The mean number of applications was 2.6 (s.d. 1.6) and 2.7 (s.d. 1.3) respectively. In case more than four doses were required no further effect was seen on delivery rates. Rates of cesarean section (performed in 15% and 18% respectively), labor induction (3%/1%), drop outs (14%/12%) and failed inductions (10%/5%) were comparable. Patients in group I had a significantly lower demand for analgesia. A significantly shorter induction-delivery interval in group II was seen in patients with preinduction Bishop scores 3-5 compared to patients with Bishop scores 0-2. Side effects were few. Both procedures appear safe.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical ripening and induction of delivery by local administration of prostaglandin E2 gel or vaginal tablets in cases presenting with an unfavorable cervical state is equally effective.