ABSTRACT
Background: Induction of labour is defined as initiation of uterine contractions before spontaneous onset of labour. This observational study compares the effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and extra amniotic saline infusion (EASI) for pre-labour ripening of unfavourable uterine cervix.Methods: This was a prospective study conducted on 100 pregnant women with gestational age ≥37 weeks during a year period in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology of government TD medical college, Alappuzha, Kerala. The period of study was for one year from June 2002 to July 2003. All patients were divided into two groups. Group-1 contains 47 patients who received intracervical PGE2, (Dinoprostone gel, 0.5 mg). Group-2 contains 53 patients who were induced with EASI. The main outcome variables were the number of subjects with favourable Bishop's score, mode of delivery, maternal complications and neonatal outcomes.Results: Majority of the patients in both the groups were in the age of 21-30 years. There was significant difference in age, parity and gestational age of both groups. In this study it was found significant difference in the occurrence of hyper stimulation among PGE2 and EASI; whereas, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of maternal pyrexia among two groups. High incidence of caesarean section was found in EASI. APGAR score of new born babies was high in labour induced with PGE2.Conclusions: PGE2 and EASI have similar efficacy in induction of labour, but EASI is associated with more side effects. Cost wise EASI is more cost effective than PGE2.
ABSTRACT
Background: Twins carry significant risks to both mothers and babies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate chorionicity and its impact on perinatal outcomes in twins.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, Government T. D. Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala. A total of 106 cases of twin pregnancies were included in the prospective descriptive study. Based on the ultrasound results and methods of the postpartum pathologic examination of the placental membranes, the cases were divided into the twin group with monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) and twin group with dichorionic diamniotic (DCDA group). The relationships of different chorionic properties and fetal outcomes were determined by comparing various fetal outcomes.Results: Among 106 twin pregnancies, 61.3% were DCDA twins, 38.7% were MCDA. Average maternal age of monochorionic twin was 25 and that of dichorionic twin was 27. Perinatal mortality of monochorionic twin was 14.7% when compared to 8.6% for dichorionic twin. The mean gestational age for monochorionic twin pregnancy was 34.78 weeks whereas it was 35.91 weeks for dichorionic pregnancy. Elective and emergency LSCS was done more for dichorionic twin pregnancies compared to monochorionic twin pregnancies. Low Apgar scores were seen in monochorionic twins compared to dichorionic twins.Conclusions: The incidence of fetal outcomes in the monochorionic group was inferior to those in the dichorionic group. The fetal outcomes may be improved by determining the chorionic properties in early pregnancy by using ultrasound and consequently planning for pregnancy monitoring and intervention.