A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL COMPARING FOLEY’S CATHETER PLUS OXYTOCINE VERSUS VAGINAL MISOPROSTOL FOR LABOUR INDUCTION IN TERM PATIENTS

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: In making the decision for an early delivery, the physician relies on clinical stability of the mother and fetus to decide between performing a Caesarean section and inducting labour for vaginal delivery. labour induction in unfavourable cervix conditions is a difficult and lengthy procedure, for both mother and obstetrician. Many times it may fail and this outcome can be frustrating for both. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of a 25-mcg vaginal tablet of misoprostol versus the Foley catheter in conjunction with intravenous oxytocin, for cervical ripening and labor induction in full-term and post-term pregnant women with an indication for immediate labor induction.

Methodology: It was a randomized controlled trial, hospital based, study at term gestation conducted the Muslim Maternity and Zanana Hospital, Hyderabad(Telangana) during the period of May 2016 to May 2017. 126 pregnant women satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study mentioned before were classified to the two groups. Group A : receiving Misoprostol, n=63 and Group B: receiving Catheter plus oxytocin, n=63.

Results: In both groups, the most prevalent indication was prolonged pregnancy, followed by mild pre-eclampsia. The active phase to delivery interval in Group A (Misoprostol) was shorter compared to Group B (Foley's + oxytocin) and this difference is statistically significant.(p=0.011). The overall duration of labour in the total group, categorised by the type of induction, did not show any significant differences. The rate of instrumental delivery was similar in both groups.