A randomized controlled trial comparing low dose vaginal misoprostol and dinoprostone gel for labor induction

Objectives: To compare the safety and efficacy of low dose misoprostol and dinoprostone for cervical ripening and labor induction Methods: It was an open label randomized controlled trial conducted at department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dr TMA Pai Rotary Hospital, Karkala. The main outcome measure was induction-to-vaginal delivery interval. Secondary outcome measures were the labor characteristics, maternal complications and neonatal outcomes. Results: Out of 320 eligible women included for final analysis, 159 received misoprostol and 161 dinoprostone. There was no significant difference between the two groups in induction-to-vaginal delivery interval, mode of delivery, number of women delivering within 24 hours and neonatal outcomes. The efficacies of the two prostaglandins were similar. Conclusion: Low dose misoprostol is as efficient as dinoprostone in achieving active labor and delivering with in 24 hours. The maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with each group were similar. It is a cheaper alternative for labor induction. © 2011 Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI).