Induction of labor with sublingual prostaglandin e2 tablets in patients with intrauterine fetal death at term

Abstract EN

Objectives: To study the efficacy of sublingual prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as a method of induction of labor in cases with intrauterine fetal death at term.

Methods : The study group included 48 patients, 14 primigravidae and 34 multigravidae.

Prostaglandin E2 was administered sublingually in the antenatal ward and the patients were monitored.

The starting dose of 0.5 mg was doubled every 2 hours until uterine contractions were well established, or the maximum dose exceeded 9 mg, or any adverse effects occurred.

Results : The overall success rate of induction of labor was 89.6%, 85.7% in primigravidae and 91.2% in multigravidae.

Vaginal delivery was achieved in 93.8% of primigravidae and 96.5% of multigravidae.

Side effects were minor and dose related.

Analgesia was required in 14.6% of cases.

Conclusion : The use ofPGE2 was associated with a high success rate and with few side effects.