Misoprostol: An Effective Agent for Cervical Ripening and Labor Induction: A 2-Year Review in a Tertiary Center

Abstract

Background: Misoprostol a PGE1 analogue has increasingly been used for cervical ripening in preparation for induction of labour with variable outcome for both mother and baby. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of Misoprostol in cervical ripening and labour outcome in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital Kano. Study Design: A study of all patients who had cervical ripening for induction of labour using Misoprostol at AKTH Kano, Nigeria, between 1st Jan 2012-31st Dec 2013. Socio-demographic data of these patients including number of doses inserted before ripening is achieved, duration, course and outcome of labour were documented. Result: Four hundred and two women were admitted for cervical ripening. 365 women met the inclusion criteria out of the 358 folders retrieved, giving a retrieval rate of 98%. Despite this six folders did not contain enough information for the study and were excluded leaving us with a sample size of 352. They had a successful cervical ripening with an average of 2 insertions. Spontaneous onset of labour without further intervention was observed in 266 women (75.5%). However, 86 women (24.5%) were induced with oxytocin following cervical ripening. The mean duration of labour among those that had spontaneous onset of labour following Misoprostol insertion was 9.8 hours. 96% of the patients had vaginal delivery while 4% had Caesarean section. Conclusion: Misoprostol was associated with favorable outcome following cervical ripening with a low caesarean section rate.