Success rates with low dose misoprostol before induction of labor for nulliparas with severe preeclampsia at various gestational ages.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficiency of labor induction using low dose misoprostol for cervical ripening among nulliparous patients with severe preeclampsia.

METHODS

This retrospective investigation involved cases gathered from our perinatal database for nulliparous women with severe preeclampsia delivering singleton gestations between January 2002 and May 2006. After a review of 229 hospital records, we selected only those cases (N = 145) that were eligible for a trial of labor and were administered intravaginal misoprostol (25 mcg every 3 to 6 h) for an unfavorable cervix. Primary outcomes related to the success and timing of vaginal deliveries. Secondary outcomes involved maternal and neonatal morbidity rates. Statistical evaluations included Chi-square testing and regression analysis.

RESULTS

Vaginal delivery was successful in 95 cases (65.5%). This rate increased from 55.1% in cases at <34 weeks to 68.9% in cases at between 34 and 36 weeks, and to 72.5% in those at >or=37 weeks. Most of those who delivered vaginally did so within 24 h (82 of 95 cases, 86.3%), regardless of gestational age. Vaginal delivery was associated with a shorter postpartum stay (2.5 vs. 3.2 days; p = 0.001) and with less neonatal respiratory distress (4.2% vs. 26.0%; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Vaginal delivery within 24 h was common, with less morbidity than cesarean delivery, in this nulliparous group presenting with severe preeclampsia and an unfavorable cervix.