Prostaglandin E2 for Induction of Labor in Patients with Premature Rupture of Membranes at Term

Jo, Y J; Lee, J J; Moon, H C; Seo, S J; Cho, S N

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The management of premature rupture of the membranes in healthy pregnancy women at term without uterine activity is a matter of debate. A retrospective study comparing three management methods for patients at term with premature rupture of membranes was performed.
METHODS
This study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of intravaginal prostaglandin E2 [PGE2] of term labor with oxytocin induction and expectant management in healthy 140 pregnant women with spontaneous rupture of membranes before the onset of labor from Jan. 1, 1996 to Dec. 31, 1997 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chonbuk National University, Medical School.
RESULTS
The time interval to delivery was shorter in prostaglandin and oxytocin groups versus control group with statistical significance[P<0.05]. The incidence of maternal infection was lowest in prostaglandin group versus oxytocin and control groups with statistical significance[P<0.05]. Overall cesarean section rate was low in prostaglandin group versus oxytocin and control groups without statistical significance. No adverse effects were observed in prostaglandin group.
CONCLUSION
Vaginal PGE2 suppository can be used successfully to induce labor after premature rupture of membranes at term with greater ease of adminstration when compared with oxytocin.