A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial comparing parenteral normal saline with and without dextrose on the course of labor in nulliparas

Abstract

The objective of the study was to compare intravenous normal saline with and without dextrose on the course of labor in nulliparae. In a double-blinded, controlled trial, term, nulliparae with singletons in active labor were randomized into 1 of 3 groups receiving either normal saline (NS), NS with 5% dextrose (D5NS), or NS with 10% dextrose (D10NS) at 125 mL/h. The primary outcome was total length of labor from onset of study fluid in vaginally delivered subjects. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were also analyzed. Of 300 subjects enrolled, 289 met inclusion criteria and completed the study. In vaginally delivered subjects, significant differences were noted in the second stage (P = .01) and total length of labor (P = .02). No significant differences were observed in the cesarean section rates between the groups (P = .21). No differences were noted in maternal or neonatal secondary outcomes. Administration of a dextrose solution, regardless of concentration, was associated with a shortened labor course in term vaginally delivered nulliparae subjects in active labor.