Outcome of induction of labor with prostaglandin E1 25 mg vaginal tablet – A retrospective study

Context: Labor induction with prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) vaginal tablet results in shorter induction delivery interval and decreased rate of failed induction of labor and reduced caesarean section rate. However, higher doses may be associated with uterine hyper stimulation. It is therefore necessary to determine the safe dose of PGE1 for labor induction. Aims: To assess the maternal and neonatal outcome with use of 25 mg vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor. Settings and Design: A retrospective analysis conducted in an obstetric department of a tertiary care teaching institute. Materials and Methods: The sample consists of women with singleton term pregnancy, with Bishop's score <6 compared with women with spontaneous onset of labor. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical significance was assessed at 5% level of significance. Chi-square test, with correction for continuity where applicable, was carried out to compare proportions across subgroups or between induction and spontaneous onset groups. Results: The rate of vaginal delivery was higher among spontaneous onset group compared with induction group (χ2 (1) = 30.3, P < 0.001). The induction delivery interval of vaginal delivery was less than 24 h in 91.85% of women. Neonatal intensive care unit admission frequency was similar among both groups (χ2 (1) = 0.14, P = 0.704). The induction group was with less frequency of meconium staining than the control group (χ2 (1) = 8.05, P = 0.0046). Conclusion: Our study showed a higher rate of vaginal delivery with induction delivery interval less than 24 h in a majority of women with better neonatal and maternal outcomes.