A A Orhue1. 1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Benin, Nigeria.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate in women of low parity (para 1, 2 or 3) whether induction of labor using a regimen ofintravenous oxytocin, increasing incrementally at 30-min intervals is safer than one increasing at 15-min intervals. METHOD: Two hundred and forty-five women of low parity requiring induction of labor by infusion ofoxytocin were randomly allocated to incremental increases at 30-min intervals (123 women) as experimental group or 15-min intervals (122 women) as the control group. In both groups forewater amniotomy was performed synchronously with oxytocin infusion using the allocated regimen. RESULTS: The 30-min incremental regimen resulted in less precipitate labor, uterine hyperstimulation and a reduced length of stay in hospital. The induction delivery interval was longer with the experimental group which also had less occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage, perineal tears and puerperal pyrexia. CONCLUSION:Oxytocin infusion regimen with 30 min incremental increases is safer than the regimen with 15-min incremental increases.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate in women of low parity (para 1, 2 or 3) whether induction of labor using a regimen of intravenous oxytocin, increasing incrementally at 30-min intervals is safer than one increasing at 15-min intervals. METHOD: Two hundred and forty-five women of low parity requiring induction of labor by infusion of oxytocin were randomly allocated to incremental increases at 30-min intervals (123 women) as experimental group or 15-min intervals (122 women) as the control group. In both groups forewater amniotomy was performed synchronously with oxytocin infusion using the allocated regimen. RESULTS: The 30-min incremental regimen resulted in less precipitate labor, uterine hyperstimulation and a reduced length of stay in hospital. The induction delivery interval was longer with the experimental group which also had less occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage, perineal tears and puerperal pyrexia. CONCLUSION:Oxytocin infusion regimen with 30 min incremental increases is safer than the regimen with 15-min incremental increases.