Influence of preeclampsia on induction of labor at term: A cohort study

Abstract

Background/Aim: Even though vaginal delivery is a feasible option in patients with preeclampsia, the cesarean section rate in those patients is high. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of preeclampsia on induction of labor at term. Patients and Methods: This historical cohort study analyzed inductions of labor in women at term having preeclampsia versus women who were induced due to other reasons. The primary outcome measure was the cesarean section rate. Results: The cesarean section rate was higher in the preeclampsia group for both nulliparous and multiparous women after induction of labor but failed to reach statistical significane. The induction-to-delivery interval was longer in nulliparous women and the rate of vaginal birth within 48 h was lower in the nulliparous patiens with preeclampsia. However, the impact of preeclampsia on the cesarean section rate was not significant in the multivariable analysis following adjustment for BMI and parity. Conclusion: Preeclampsia at term did not influence the cesarean section rate in nulliparous and parous women when labor was induced.