A Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Mifepristone and Misoprostol Versus Misoprostol alone for Induction of Labour in Nigerian Women with Intrauterine Fetal Death: A Triple Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Intrauterine foetal death (IUFD) is an unpleasant pregnancy outcome and prompt delivery of the dead foetus is usually desired by mothers. Unfortunately, spontaneous labour and delivery may not occur early and prolonged retention of the dead foetus in utero is life-threatening. Many of the agents currently used for the induction of labour may result in a prolonged delivery process. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of mifepristone and misoprostol versus misoprostol alone for induction of labour in women with intrauterine foetal death. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a triple-blind randomized controlled trial. Eighty women were randomized into two groups. The intervention group received a single oral dose of 200 mg mifepristone, followed by 6-hourly 50 µg misoprostol vaginal insertion, after 24-hour intervals. The control group received a placebo, followed by 6-hourly 50 µg misoprostol vaginal insertion, after 24-hour intervals. The primary outcome measure was the induction to delivery interval. RESULTS: Maternal age, gestational age, parity and pre-induction bishop's score were comparable between the two groups. The mean induction to the delivery interval in the intervention group was significantly less in the intervention group than the control group (18.78 ± 6.51 hours versus 37.10 ± 10.10; P < 0.001). The total dose of misoprostol required for induction of labour; the need for oxytocin augmentation of labour; and the observed side effects of misoprostol were all significantly less in intervention group than control group (P < 0.001; P < 0.01; and P = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSION: The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol has greater efficacy and better safety profile than the use of misoprostol alone for induction of labour. This combination should be considered when induction of labour is indicated for IUFD.

A comparison of peripheral blood smear microscopy and detection of histidine-rich protein 2 in blood in the diagnosis of malaria in pregnancy.

Background: Detection of malaria in pregnancy poses a huge challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa. Accurate diagnosis enables timely and appropriate clinical management. Aims: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of peripheral venous blood smear microscopy (PVBSM) and a rapid diagnostic test detecting histidine-rich protein 2 in the blood (RDT-HRP2) with placental histology as the control in the diagnosis of malaria in pregnancy in Nigerian women. Materials and Methods: This was a comparative, cross-sectional study conducted between January and July 2017. Asymptomatic pregnant women who presented to the labor ward and who gave informed consent had peripheral venous blood samples as well as placental tissue obtained following delivery. The blood samples obtained were tested for malaria parasites using PVBSM and RDT-HRP2 in blood, while the placenta was subjected to histology. Results: A total of 326 patients participated in the study. The prevalence of malaria in pregnancy was 13.8%, 17.8%, and 32.8% using PVBSM, RDT-HRP2, and placental histology. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of PVBSM were 40.2%, 99.1%, and 79.8% and the corresponding values for RDT-HRP2 were 49.5%, 97.7%, and 81.9%. The positive predictive value was 95.6% for PVBSM and 91.4% for RDT-HRP2 and the negative predictive value was 77.2% for PVBSM and 79.9% for RDT- HRP2. Conclusions: The diagnostic performances of both tests were comparable; however, RDT-HRP2 had a higher sensitivity and accuracy than PVBSM for the diagnosis of malaria in pregnancy.