Controlled study comparing vaginal prostaglandin E₂ pessaries with intravenous oxytocin for the stimulation of labour after spontaneous rupture of the membranes

Abstract

Summary. In a prospective randomized study, 36 patients with spontaneous rupture of the membranes of ≥4 h duration were stimulated with 3 mg vaginal prostaglandin E2 pessaries or intravenous oxytocin. Oxytocin stimulation was associated with shorter labours and a lower incidence of abnormal cervimetric progress. Of the patients given prostaglandin pessaries, 40% required a second dose after 4 h for slow progress; 45% of the primigravidae subsequently developed abnormal labour which was corrected by augmentation with oxytocin in all cases. One caesarean section was carried out for disproportion, and the remaining 35 patients were delivered vaginally. Prostaglandin pessaries were not associated with an increased incidence of hyperstimulation or sepsis. In conclusion, although PGE2 pessaries are safe in spontaneous rupture of the membranes, intravenous oxytocin is more efficient in stimulating labour.

Intracervical Prostaglandin E2for Induction of Labor in Patients with Premature Rupture of Membranes and an Unripe Cervix

“…Several studies compared the effectiveness of vaginal prostaglandin with intravenous oxytocin for induction of labor after spontaneous rupture of the membranes, but their results are conflicting. Magos et al 14 and Lange et al 15 found oxytocin more efficient in stimulating labor, whereas Mahmood et al 16 and Ray and Garite 17 claim that vaginal prostaglandins administration is superior.…”

Role of prostaglandin in the management of prelabour rupture of the membranes at term

“…Some studies have been criticized for not being fully randomized trials (Duff et al 1984; Morales & Lazar 1986) and the three studies by (Hauth et al (1977); Lange et al (1981) and Magos et al (1983) for not including a third study arm dealing with conservative management. We designed a prospective study to test the hypothesis that treatment with prostaglandin (PG) E 2 gel would halve the PROM to delivery interval without increasing the frequency of caesarean section or of infective morbidity.…”

Prelabour rupture of the membranes—why hurry?

“…This section rate can vary from 3 to 47% with many variables accounting for this inconsistency. Some studies have been based on very small numbers (Magos, et al . 1983; Ekman‐Ordeberg, et al .…”

“…1979) seemed to be associated with very early recourse to section. Some authors started oxytocin within 4–6 h (Magos et al . 1983, Lange et al .…”

“…1985). Another randomized study with 36 women comparing vaginal prostaglandin tablets with intravenous oxytocin included different parties (Magos et al 1983). In an open study (Macaulay et al .…”