Risk factors for cesarean section after using the Foley catheter for labor induction.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to investigate the value of the Bishop score and ultrasound examination of the cervix in predicting the success of labor induction with the use of the Foley catheter determined by the mode of delivery

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Foley catheter induction of labor was performed in 135 pregnancies between 38 to 42 weeks gestation. The study group was divided into two groups, depending of the mode of delivery: vaginal vs. cesarean.

RESULTS

The Bishop score was significantly higher in the vaginal delivery group when compared to the caesarean section group (5.2; 95%CI: 4.4 - 6.2 vs. 3.9; 95%CI: 2.8-4.9). Cervical length was not statistically significantly different between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that patient-specific risk for caesarean section decreases with increasing maternal age and the Bishop score (Detection Rate [DR] of 52% at fixed False Positive Rate [FPR] of 10%).

CONCLUSIONS

Failure of labor induction with the use of the Foley catheter can be predicted by maternal age and pre-induction Bishop score.