Heterogenous use of misoprostol for induction of labour: results of an online survey among midwives in German-speaking countries

Purpose This online survey looked at the experiences and general perceptions of midwives concerning induction of labour and the specific use of misoprostol. Methods We published an online questionnaire with 24 questions in German on midwives’ experiences and perceptions of different methods of induction of labour. Results The online survey was answered by 412 midwives between February 2016 and February 2017. At least 20% of the 24 questions were answered in 333 questionnaires, which were included in this analysis. Oral misoprostol was the most common induction method for primipara and for women with a previous vaginal birth and an unfavourable cervix. Apart from alternative methods for induction of labour like castor oil and complementary/alternative methods, oral misoprostol was the preferred method of induction of labour by midwives. Midwives described a wide range of dosage schedules concerning application intervals, starting doses, and the maximum daily dose of misoprostol. Approximately 50% of the participants of this study described prescriptions of more than 200 µg misoprostol daily for induction of labour. Conclusion Misoprostol is widely used in Germany and was one of the three preferred methods of induction of labour among midwives in our study next to castor oil and complementary/alternative methods. The preparation and dosage of misoprostol vary significantly among hospitals and do not adhere to international guidelines. Midwives voiced their concerns about inconsistent indications and heterogenous use of different methods and dosages of induction. They wished for more patience with late-term pregnancies and individualized shared decision-making between pregnant women and obstetricians.

Misoprostol vs dinoprostone vaginal insert in labour induction: comparison of obstetrical outcome

Induction of labour (IOL) is increasingly used in obstetric practice. For patients with unfavourable cervix, we are constantly looking for an optimal, in terms of effectiveness and safety, ripening of cervix protocol. It was retrospective cohort study. We analyzed obstetrical results in 481 patients undergoing IOL in one center using two different vaginal inserts that release prostaglandins at a constant rate for 24 h—misoprostol vaginal insert (MVI) with 200 µg of misoprostol (n = 367) and dinoprostone vaginal insert (DVI) with 10 mg of dinoprostone (n = 114). Full-term, single pregnancy patients with intact fetal membranes and the cervix evaluated in Bishop score ≤ 6 were included in the analysis. In the group of MVI patients, the labour ended with caesarean section more often (OR 2.71 95% CI 1.63–4.47) and more frequent unreassuring cardiotocographic trace indicating the surgical delivery occurred (OR 2.38 95% CI 1.10–5.17). We did not notice any differences in the percentage of vacuum extraction and patients in whom the use of oxytocin was necessary during labour induction. The clinical status of newborns after birth and the pH of cord blood did not differ between groups.The use of MVI 200 μg in patients with an unriped cervix is associated with a greater chance of completing delivery by caesarean section and increased chance of abnormal intrapartum CTG trace compared to the use of DVI 10 mg. These differences do not affect the clinical and biochemical status of the newborn.

Mifepristone safety and efficacy in preinduction of labor: an observational study

Background: When the continuation of pregnancy adversely affecting the mother and fetus, termination of pregnancy is planned. Mifepristone as a method of pre-inducing agent in late pregnancy by increasing sensitivity of the uterus to the actions of prostaglandins and increasing uterine contractility. Objective of this study is to know the efficacy of mifepristone as a preinduction cervical ripening and induction of labor.Methods: In this prospective randomized study, 130 pregnant women are included and divided into two groups i.e. study group(n=65), has received tab mifepristone 200 mg and control group (n=65) has not received any drug. After the end of 24 hours, Bishops score in both the groups are assessed and those not in labor or with unfavourable cervix are administered with intracervical dinoprostone gel every 6 hourlies for maximum of 3 doses or until pregnant woman entered into active labor. Statistical analysis regarding improvement in Bishops score, induction active phase interval, induction delivery interval is observed.Results: After 24 hours, observation in the mean Bishops score has showed significant improvement in the study group (72.33%), when compared to control group (54.58%). % woman has gone into spontaneous labor in study group (61.5%), and in control group (75.4%). Induction to active phase time duration is less in study group with mean (10.53), and in control group (17.4). Induction to delivery time duration is also less in study group with mean (15.100) when compared to control group (22.100). 67.7% of patients has delivered by vaginally in study group, and in control group 41%.Conclusions: Tab. mifepristone 200 mg has a pre inducing agent for cervical ripening, shown better improvement in Bishops score within 24-48 hours and decreases time duration from induction to active phase and induction to delivery.

Induction of labour after 37 weeks of pregnancy using foley’s catheter: traction versus non-traction method

Background: Cervical Foley’s catheter used now a days for induction of labour alone as well as a combined with cerviprim gel. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of 750 cc traction on Foley catheter with no traction for labour induction in >37 weeks pregnancy.Methods: A randomized controlled trial performed on pregnant women at >37 weeks who were admitted for induction of labour with unfavourable cervix. They were randomly assigned into two groups, Foley’s with 750 cc traction and without traction. The primary outcomes were improvement in Bishop Score, number of favourable cervix following induction and the mode of delivery. The secondary outcomes were neonatal outcome, and maternal infection.Results: A total of 80 pregnant women were randomized into traction group (n=46) and non-traction group (n=34). Traction group had significantly (p=0.0462) higher number of vaginal delivery compared to non-traction group. Participants were comfortable using both methods. There was no difference in neonatal outcomes and risk of maternal infections in both groups.Conclusions: Application of traction did result in more vaginal delivery.

Study of fetomaternal outcome in eclampsia

Background: Eclampsia is a life-threatening emergency that continues to be a major cause of maternal and perinatal mortality. The purpose of our study was to analyse the trend of eclampsia in a tertiary care teaching institute and to find out the fetomaternal outcomes of eclampsia.Methods: A retrospective epidemiological study was undertaken in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Jhalawar medical college, Jhalawar during the period ‘September 2018 to August 2019’. Women who presented as eclampsia or developed eclampsia during hospital stay were included in the study. Data analysed included various maternal parameters, fetal parameters, and the outcome of the pregnancy.Results: The incidence of antepartum eclampsia was (0.92%). High risk associated factors were primigravida (65.90%), low maternal age (21-30 years), illiteracy, and inadequate antenatal care. Caesarean section was the mode of delivery in 48 cases (54.54%) most common indication was unfavourable cervix, 80.6% women had antepartum eclampsia and 68.18% women had severe preeclampsia. There was 6.8% maternal mortality, attributed to pulmonary edema and acute renal failure. Perinatal mortality was 14.77% with 8 still births and 5 neonatal deaths. Prematurity complicated 46.66% pregnancies. Thirty neonates were admitted to NICU.Conclusions: Eclampsia is one of the important causes of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality due to lack of proper antenatal care, low socio-economic status, and lack of education. It can be concluded that better antenatal care, early recognition of disease, timely referral, early initiation of treatment and termination of eclamptic patients improves outcome. Management of eclamptic patients should be performed at tertiary care centres, where ICU facilities, NICU facilities, and multidisciplinary units are available.

Is Unfavourable Cervix prior to Labor Induction Risk for Adverse Obstetrical Outcome in Time of Universal Ripening Agents Usage? Single Center Retrospective Observational Study

Cervical assessment on the Bishop scale prior to induction of labor (IOL) is one of the strongest prognostic criteria in relation to the success of the procedure. The commonly used preinduction methods are mainly aimed at reducing the percentage of cesarean sections. Our study has analyzed obstetric results of patients who had unripe cervix (Bishop score <7) before IOL and used preinduction (Foley catheter or misoprostol vaginal insert releasing 7 mcg of misoprostol per hour for 24 hours) with obstetric results of patients in whom, due to favourable cervix, only a low-dose infusion of oxytocin was used. We reviewed the medical records of 1010 single pregnancies in whom IOL was performed. We divided the patients into two groups: group A (where preinduction was used) and group B (Bishop score ≥7 points) where preinduction was not used. Patients in group A were more likely to complete the delivery by caesarean section (OR=4.58, 95% CI 3.22-6.51), and more likely to have events that were indications for operative delivery: unreassuring fetal heart rate trace (OR=3.29, 95% CI 2.07-5.23) and arrested labor or failed induction (OR=3.4, 95% CI 2.06-5.62). The groups did not differ in the percentage of vacuum extraction, postpartum haemorrhage, and meconium stained amniotic fluid. In group B, more infants were born with umbilical cord blood pH <7.1 (1.38% vs. 0%), both groups included no deliveries of newborns with Apgar score ≤3 points, the groups did not differ in terms of the percentage of newborns with Apgar score between 4 and 7 at birth (OR=0.66, 95% CI 0.29-1.49). The immature cervix and the need to use labor preinduction is a risk factor for caesarean section. The necessity of preinduction does not impair neonatological results.