Oxytocin versus sublingual misoprostol for induction of labour in term prelabour rupture of membranes: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Induction of labor is one of the most common interventions practiced in modern obstetrics. In the developedWorld, the ability to induce labor has contributed to the reduction in maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity.Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of pre-labour administration of sublingual misoprostol versus oxytocin in term PROM on maternal and fetal outcomes. Materials and Methods: In a randomized single-blind controlled trial at department of obstetrics and gynecology, Menoufia University between September 2018 and October 2019. A total of 100 pregnant women who had spontaneous rupture of membrane and unripe cervix were enrolled. The group A underwent Oxytocin infusion according to low-dose standard protocol and the group B received 50 microgram sublingual Misoprostol every 6 hours. Results: There was a significant reduction in induction duration hours between Misoprostol group than Oxytocin group (p < 0.001). Second stage of labour was significantly shorter in misoprostol group. Although, some maternal sideeffects were non-significantly higher in misoprostol group. There was no significant difference between Oxytocin and Misoprostol groups regarding neonatal condition.  Conclusion: pre-labour administration of sublingual misoprostol in patients with singleton term pre-labour rupture of membranes shorten duration of both active phase and second stage of labour significantly in comparison with oxytocinadministration.