Pre-Induction and Intrapartum Correlates of Successful Induction Of Labour Using Oxytocin and Misoprostol in Abakaliki, Nigeria

Context: Induction of labour (IOL) is a therapeutic challenge and an alternative to Caesarean section. Objectives: To evaluate the success rate of IOL and its determinants at the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital (EBSUTH), Abakaliki. Methods: A retrospective study involving 251 parturients who had induction of labour over a five-year period. Results: IOL accounted for 2.9% of the 8,676 deliveries during the study period. The overall success rate for labour induction in EBSUTH was 83.1%. Multiparous women achieved a success rate of 91.4%, grandmultipara 95.7%, and primigravida 58.2%. IOL using Misoprostol had a success rate of 83.1% and Oxytocin titration with synchronous fore water amniotomy 83.1%. Common indications for IOL included prolonged pregnancy (69.0%), and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (15.7%). Factors influencing outcome included parity, booking status, gestational age, pre-induction cervical status and latent period interval. Conclusion: Induction of labour EBSUTH had a high success rate of 83.1%. Booking status, pre induction cervical Bishop's score ans parity amongst others significantly influenced the success rate in this study. Key Words: Induction, labour, oxytocin, misoprostol, EBSUTH, outcome.