Vaginal prostaglandin (PGE2 and PGF2a) for induction of labour at term.

BACKGROUND: Prostaglandins have been used for induction of labour since the 1960s. This is one of a series of reviews evaluating methods of induction of labour. This review focuses on prostaglandins given per vaginam, evaluating these in comparison with placebo (or expectant management) and with each other; prostaglandins (PGE2 and PGF2a); different formulations (gels, tablets, pessaries) and doses. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of vaginal prostaglandins E2 and F2a for third trimester cervical ripening or induction of labour in comparison with placebo/no treatment or other vaginal prostaglandins (except misoprostol). SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (1 March 2014) and bibliographies of relevant papers. SELECTION CRITERIA: Clinical trials comparing vaginal prostaglandins used for third trimester cervical ripening or labour induction with placebo/no treatment, with each other, or other methods listed above it on a predefined list of labour induction methods. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We assessed studies and extracted data independently. MAIN RESULTS: Seventy randomised controlled trials (RCTs) (11,487 women) are included. In this update seven new RCTs (778 women) have been added. Two of these new trials compare PGE2 with no treatment, four compare different PGE2 formulations (gels versus tablets, or sustained release pessaries) and one trial compares PGF2a with placebo. The majority of trials were at unclear risk of bias for most domains.Overall, vaginal prostaglandin E2 compared with placebo or no treatment probably reduces the likelihood of vaginal delivery not being achieved within 24 hours. The risk of uterine hyperstimulation with fetal heart rate changes is increased (4.8% versus 1.0%, risk ratio (RR) 3.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.67 to 5.98, 15 trials, 1359 women). The caesarean section rate is probably reduced by about 10% (13.5% versus 14.8%, RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.02, 36 trials, 6599 women). The overall effect on improving maternal and fetal outcomes (across a variety of measures) is uncertain.PGE2 tablets, gels and pessaries (including sustained release preparations) appear to be as effective as each other, small differences are detected between some outcomes, but these maybe due to chance. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Prostaglandins PGE2 probably increase the chance of vaginal delivery in 24 hours, they increase uterine hyperstimulation with fetal heart changes but do not effect or may reduce caesarean section rates. They increase the likelihood of cervical change, with no increase in operative delivery rates. PGE2 tablets, gels and pessaries appear to be as effective as each other, any differences between formulations are marginal but may be important.

Long-Term Outcomes Following Manipulation Under Anaesthetic for Patients with Primary and Secondary Frozen Shoulder.

Background: Frozen Shoulder (FS) is a common, debilitating condition for which manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) is a non-invasive and effective treatment option. Current literature evaluates short to medium-term outcomes, but there is a paucity of long-term (>10 years) studies. Knowledge of long-term outcomes is also needed to evaluate whether FS or its treatment pre-disposes to other shoulder pathology in the long-term. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 398 shoulders undergoing MUA for FS between Jan 1999 and Jan 2010; 240 complete datasets were obtained. Outcomes were Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), recurrence and development of other shoulder pathology (arthritis or rotator cuff tear). Results: At long-term follow-up (mean 13.2 years), 71.3% had no symptoms (OSS 48), 16.6% had minor symptoms (OSS 42-47) and 12.1% had significant symptoms (OSS < 42). There were 4/240 (1.7%) self-reported recurrences > 5 years after initial MUA and 2/240 (0.8%) repeat MUAs. In the long-term 6.7% developed rotator cuff pathology and 3.8% shoulder OA. Discussion: This study suggests that long-term outcome after MUA for FS is favourable. Late recurrence of FS is uncommon and the development of OA or rotator cuff pathology is no greater than that of the general population.