EFFECTIVENESS AND SAFETY OF VAGINAL MISOPROSTOL FOR INDUCTION OF LABOUR IN UNFAVOURABLE CERVIX IN 3RD TRIMESTER

Background: The use of prostaglandin preparations with or without oxytocin infusion, is widely recognized and accepted as a standard method of induction of labour. It has been shown to reduce induction time and the risk of failed induction. The objective of this quasi-experimental observational study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of Misoprostol administered vaginally for induction of labour to achieve vaginal delivery. Methods: This study was conducted from October 2004 to October 2007. The study was conducted at Shaheena Jamil Teaching Hospital, Frontier Medical College, Abbottabad and Women and Children Hospital Abbottabad. A total of 6299 obstetric patients were received for delivery and 946 patients had to undergo induction of labour. Primary outcome measures were to address clinical effectiveness (delivery within 24-hours) and safety (uterine hyper-stimulation, Caesarean Section and serious Maternal Morbidity). Secondary outcome measures included neonatal outcome. Results: Out of 946 cases, successful vaginal deliveries were achieved in 843 (89.1%) cases. Time interval between induction and delivery was 4–24 hours. Oxytocin was required in 107 (12%) patients. Caesarean Section had to be done in 103 (10.8%) cases. The indications for Caesarean Section were foetal distress in 42 (40%), occipito-posterio