Prostaglandin gel versus oxytocin - prelabour rupture of membranes at term - A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Pre-labour rupture of membranes (PROM) at term is a common event with early induction of labour reducing infectious morbidity without increasing the caesarean rate. Syntocinon is commonly used for induction but prostaglandins are also routinely used. Large studies have shown no difference in the maternal and neonatal outcomes with either method.

AIM: To assess the safety and efficacy of vaginal prostaglandin (PG) compared to syntocinon for induction of labour in term-PROM.

METHOD: This was a single-centre randomised controlled trial at Ipswich Hospital of women presenting at ≥37 weeks gestation with PROM. Women were randomised and managed in labour as per local guidelines. Analysis was by intention to treat.

RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-four women were recruited, 90 in the PG group and 94 in the oxytocin group. Women in both arms were of similar demographics and 53% of women in the PG group did not require any oxytocin. There was a statistically significant lower incidence of fetal heart rate abnormality in the PG group, 4.4% versus 12.8%. There was no difference in epidural use, caesarean section, maternal infection, admission to special care nursery or neonatal sepsis. Time to onset of labour was significantly longer in the PG group, 25.7 h versus 19.7 h but with no difference in the length of first stage. Maternal satisfaction was high in both groups with no significant difference in breastfeeding rates.

CONCLUSION: Induction of labour with oxytocin or vaginal prostaglandins are safe and efficacious options for women in the context of PROM at term.