[Induction of labor by oral administration of 50 μg of misoprostol: a prospective study in Libreville (Gabon)].

Objectives: to describe and to analyze the results of our experience in inducing labor with the misoprostol, 50 μg, administered orally.

Material and methods: this descriptive prospective study took place at the Josephine-Bongo Maternity Hospital, in Libreville, in Gabon, from 1st January 2007 to 31st December 2009. It included pregnancies with a gestational age greater or equal to 29  weeks of singletons in cephalic presentation. The induction consisted in the administration of one quarter of a misoprostol tablet (that is, a dose of 50 μg) at 6 in the morning, fasting, and repeated every 4 h up to a maximum of five doses. The principal study indicators were epidemiologic characteristics, dose received, duration of labor, and outcome.

Results: the study included 91 patients, with a mean age of 26  years. On average, women received 1.6 doses of 50 μg of misoprostol, for a mean dose of 78.5 μg. A single dose of 50 μg was sufficient to induce labor for 61 patients (67%), as well as for 69% of patients (34/49) with a parity less than or equal to 1. Delivery occurred within 24 h for 80 patients (88%). Vaginal deliveries accounted for 86% of the births (n = 78 patients). There were five failures (5.5%), no adverse effects, and no maternal complications.

Conclusion: our series confirms the effectiveness and good tolerance of 50-μg misoprostol, administered orally. This route has a period of rapid action, is easy to use, and requires no invasive procedures.