Labor induction with 25-microg misoprostol vaginal capsules.

ABSTRACT

AIM: To evaluate the success rate and the safety profile of labor induction with a new misoprostol formulation - vaginal capsules of 25 microg of misoprostol. METHODS: Labor induction was performed in 250 singleton term pregnancies; 149 (59.6%) were nulliparous. Vaginal capsules of 25 microg of misoprostol were placed in the posterior vaginal fornix every 6 h. Success rate, contractility and fetal heart rate abnormalities and fetal outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The success rate of labor induction was 97.6%. The average number of vaginal administrations was 1.5. The mean interval between induction and active labor was 10 h and 20 min and the average length of labor was 15 h and 35 min. The cesarean section rate was 18.8%. There were 15 cases of tachysystole, 3 cases of hypertonus and 1 case of hyperstimulation syndrome. There were no adverse neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study allowed to conclude that labor induction with vaginal capsules of 25 microg of misoprostol is associated with an excellent success rate and safety profile.