[The use of prostaglandins in prolonged pregnancy and their effect on the newborn infant].

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the neonatal outcome in newborns from mothers with post-term pregnancy and vaginal prostaglandin (Prostin E2) for cervical ripening and labor induction.

STUDY DESIGN: This prospective study included 82 newborns, w.g. 41-42, divided into three groups according to the management of post-term pregnancy: group I--preinduction with Prostin E2 before induction of labor with oxytocin; group II--induction with oxytocin only; group III--with expectant management. In each newborn group weight, size, head circumference, Apgar score and neonatal morbidity characteristics were noted.

RESULTS: The cesarean delivery rate was 14.2% in group I, 12.9% in the group II and 3.3% in the III-d group. There were no significant differences between groups in the frequency of meconial amniotic fluid, neonatal meconium aspiration. The incidences of severe asphyxia, neonatal injury and pathologic neonatal icter were higher in the group I.

CONCLUSIONS: Prostin E2, used for the cervical ripening and labor induction with oxytocin increased the rate of surgical interventions at delivery and neonatal morbidity.