Comparative Study of Low Dose Vaginal Misoprostol versus Oxytocin in Induction of Labor

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy, side effects and complications of low dose vaginal misoprostol with intravenousoxytocin infusion for induction of labor.Methods: One hundred forty-two pregnant women with indication for induction of labor were assigned randomly to receive either vaginalmisoprostol 25 µgm 6 hrly to a maximum of 6 doses (misoprostol group, n = 72) or escalating dose of oxytocin infusion upto 20 mIU/minin primigravida and upto 10 mIU/min in multigravida (oxytocin group, n = 70).Results: Demographic characteristics were similar in both the groups. The difference in mean induction to delivery interval (11.2 � 6 hrsin misoprostol group vs 12.2 ± 6 hrs in oxytocin group) was statistically insignificant when two groups were compared. The incidence ofvaginal delivery (86.1% in misoprostol group vs 84.2% in oxytocin group), and cesarean delivery (13.9% in misoprostol group vs 15.8%in oxytocin group), was almost similar in both the groups. The causes of cesarean delivery were dystocia (40% in misoprostol groupvs 67% in oxytocin group), and fetal distress (60% in misoprostol group vs 33% in oxytocin group) and the difference was statisticallysignificant (P < 0.01). The complications were almost similar in both the group, with no significant difference.Conclusion: Misoprostol when used in low dose of 25 µgm is safe, effective and cheaper drug for induction of labor with fewer maternal andfetal complications.