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Objective: Though misoprostol is commonly used for inpatient cervical ripening, its use in outpatient settings has been limited by safety concerns. This study was conducted to assess the association between early fetal heart tracing (FHT) and maternal tocodynamometry patterns and the incidence of adverse fetal and pregnancy outcomes after the administration of oral misoprostol for cervical ripening., Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 9908 low-risk patients at ≥37 weeks gestation who received oral misoprostol for cervical ripening prior to rupture of membranes between 01/01/2012 and 12/31/2017 at Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals as inpatients. We excluded patients who received a different agent for cervical ripening or had any need for additional inpatient monitoring, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, diabetes, or intrauterine growth restriction. Abnormal FHT, abnormal uterine activity, and adverse pregnancy or fetal-related events documented in the electronic health record in the four hours after administration of the first and second doses of misoprostol were assessed using descriptive statistics., Results: We found that 0.9% of patients experienced tachysystole after the first dose of misoprostol (0.6% without decelerations; 0.3% with decelerations). The incidence of variable decelerations only and other FHT abnormalities (i.e. bradycardia, late or prolonged decelerations, or absent or minimal variability) in the first hour after misoprostol administration were 7.1% and 6.7% respectively, and diminished over time. The need for tocolytic use was 0.2% in the first hour and declined over time to 0.03% in the fourth hour after the first dose. Urgent cesarean delivery occurred in 0.1% of patients after receiving the first dose of misoprostol. Patients who did not experience variable, prolonged, or late decelerations in the first hour after the initial misoprostol dose were less likely to have such FHT abnormalities in the subsequent three hours compared to patients who had other FHT abnormalities (11.8% among patients with no FHT abnormalities vs. 43.7% among patients with other FHT abnormalities; p <.001). The overall trends in outcomes over time were similar after the second dose of misoprostol., Conclusion: The risk of short-term adverse outcomes associated with misoprostol is low among relatively low-risk patients. FHT abnormalities occurred in up to 32% of patients in the first four hours of monitoring post-misoprostol. Patients with no FHT abnormalities in the first hour after receiving misoprostol had a low risk of developing adverse outcomes and FHT abnormalities on continued monitoring, while patients with any type of deceleration in the first hour were at higher risk of adverse outcomes and FHT abnormalities. Our data may inform the development of protocols for cervical ripening that allow reduced monitoring for a subset of low-risk patients, however, more research is needed to validate findings and develop clinical protocols.

Objective: Severe preeclampsia diagnosed at or prior to 34 weeks is an indication for preterm delivery. Many patients with severe preeclampsia develop fetal growth restriction as a result of the placental dysfunction associated with both conditions. The ideal mode of delivery in cases of preterm severe preeclampsia with fetal growth restriction remains controversial, with providers often proceeding directly to cesarean delivery rather than attempting a trial of labor due to theoretic concerns about the harms of labor in the face of placental dysfunction. There are limited data supporting this approach. This study evaluates whether the presence of fetal growth restriction affects the ultimate mode of delivery or neonatal outcomes among pregnancies with severe preeclampsia undergoing induction of labor at or before 34 weeks., Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of singletons with severe preeclampsia undergoing induction of labor ≤ 34 weeks at a single center between January 2015 and April 2022. The primary predictor was fetal growth restriction, defined as estimated fetal weight < 10th percentile for gestational age on ultrasound. Mode of delivery and neonatal outcomes were compared between those with and without fetal growth restriction using Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and multivariate logistic regression was used to obtain adjusted odds ratios., Results: 159 patients were included ( N  = 117 without fetal growth restriction, N  = 42 with fetal growth restriction). There was no difference in vaginal delivery between the groups (70% vs 67%, p  = .70). While those with fetal growth restriction had a higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and longer neonatal hospital stay, these differences were not statistically significant after adjusting for gestational age at delivery. There were no significant differences in other neonatal outcomes, including Apgar score, cord blood gases, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, neonatal sepsis, and neonatal demise., Conclusion: For pregnancies complicated by severe preeclampsia that require delivery ≤ 34 weeks, the likelihood of successful vaginal delivery following induction of labor does not differ based on presence of fetal growth restriction. Furthermore, fetal growth restriction is not an independent risk factor for adverse neonatal outcomes in this population. Induction of labor should be considered a reasonable approach and should be routinely offered to patients with concurrent preterm severe preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction.

Background: This study aimed to establish a clinical-based nomogram for predicting the success rate of high-volume Foley catheterization for labor induction., Methods: This retrospective study included 1149 full-term pregnant women who received high-volume Foley catheterization for labor induction from January 2019 to December 2021 in Changshu No.1 People's Hospital. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, in which the labor induction success was set as dependent variables and the characteristics (including age, height, weight, BMI, gravidity, parity, gestational age, uterine height, abdominal circumference, cervical Bishop score, amniotic fluid index, cephalic presentation, neonatal weight, pregnancy complications, etc.) were set as independent variables. A nomogram scoring model was established based on these risk factors, and a calibration curve was plotted to verify the predictive accuracy of the model., Results: The success rate of labor induction was 83.55% (960/1149). Univariate analysis revealed that the risk factors associated with the success rate of high-volume Foley catheterization for labor induction were height, pregnancy, birth, age, weight, BMI, uterine height, abdominal circumference, and hypertension. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR = 0.950; 95% CI: 0.904 ~ 0.998), height (OR = 1.062; 95% CI: 1.026 ~ 1.100), BMI (OR = 0.871; 95% CI: 0.831 ~ 0.913), and parity (OR = 8.007; 95% CI: 4.483 ~ 14.303) were independent risk factors for labor induction success by high-volume Foley catheterization. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve in the prediction model was 0.752 (95% CI 0.716 ~ 0.788). A nomogram was constructed based on the final multivariate analysis with a corrected C-index of 0.748, which indicated that the model was calibrated reasonably., Conclusion: Four risk factors were used to construct a nomogram to evaluate the success rate of high-volume Foley catheterization for labor induction. The nomogram provides a visual clinical tool to assist in the selection of the most appropriate mode of labor induction for pregnant women of different risk levels., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Objective: To identify independent predictors of maternal satisfaction with labor induction., Method: In this prospective observational cohort study, 769 women prior to their labor induction had sleep and psychological well-being assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales. Women were asked about the adequacy of labor induction information provided and their involvement and time pressure felt in the decision-making for their labor induction. Maternal characteristics, induction and intrapartum care measures, and labor and neonatal outcomes were also assessed. Prior to discharge, women rated their satisfaction with their birth experience., Results: A total of 34 variables were considered for bivariate analysis, with 15 found to have P < 0.05. Following adjusted analysis, 10 independent predictors of maternal satisfaction were identified: maternal education, previous cesarean delivery, maternal involvement, information provided, and decision-making time pressure regarding labor induction, amniotomy, induction to delivery interval, mode of delivery, postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal admission. Maternal satisfaction was not associated with sleep, depression, anxiety, or stress., Conclusion: The identification of independent predictors of maternal satisfaction allows for patient selection, targeting of specific preinduction and intrapartum care, and focus on induction methods that can reduce induction to delivery interval, cesarean birth, and delivery blood loss to maximize women's satisfaction with labor induction., (© 2023 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics.)

Objective: The aim of the study was a retrospective evaluation of labor induction in women with one previous cesarean section. The primary outcome was the mode of delivery. We also studied the severe maternal and neonatal morbidity and identify some prediction factors of vaginal delivery after labor induction after one previous cesarean section., Study Design: This was a retrospective observational monocentric study performed over the period from January 1st, 2016 to April 30th, 2020 at the university hospital of Rennes. Were included women with scar uterus because of one previous cesarean section with a viable singleton fetus in cephalic presentation and an induction of labor for medical reason, at term. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze prediction of vaginal delivery after labor induction after one previous cesarean section. We also studied maternal (included uterine rupture, loss of blood, obstetrical injury of anus sphincter) and neonatal (APGAR score, arterial umbilical pH after 1 minute of life and eventual admission to neonatal unit) morbidity. We used a stepwise multivariate logistic regression model to select variables for multivariate analysis. The model with the lowest Akaike Index Criteria was chosen., Results: The study enrolled 353 women with scar uterus: 121 women were induced by balloon catheter, 57 by osmotic cervical dilatators, 91 by oxytocin alone, 84 by amniotomy. Vaginal delivery rate was 47,9%. There was 45% of vaginal delivery in the group with Bishop < 6 before induction of labor versus 62% in the group with Bishop ≥ 6. There was no statistically significative difference in neonatal and maternal severe morbidities between vaginal delivery and cesarean section: 4,5% of severe maternal morbidities (n = 16). Among their, we highlighted 7 uterine ruptures (3,8%). We observed also 3% of postpartum severe hemorrhage in vaginal delivery group (n = 5) against 1,6% in cesarian section group (n = 3) with no statistical significant difference (p = 0,632). Regarding to the obstetric perineal tears and lacerations we noticed 1,2% of OASIS 3 (n = 2) and 0,6% of OASIS 4 (n = 1). Severe neonatal morbidities were comparable by mode of delivery without significant difference: APGAR score at 5 min was similar (p = 1), as well as arterial umbilical pH after 1 min. (p = 0.719) and admissions to a neonatal unit (p = 1). Two variables were statistically associated with vaginal delivery after labor induction in women with scar uterus: Bishop score ≥ 6 (OR = 0,44; 95%CI: 0,25-0,81) and/or previous vaginal delivery after cesarean section (OR = 0,17; 95%CI: 0,08-0,35)., Conclusion: With 47,9% of vaginal delivery after labor induction in women with scar uterus, only 3.8% (n = 7/353) of uterine ruptures, less than 1% APGAR < 7 at 5 min (n = 3/353), induction on scar uterus should be consider in obstetrical practice. Bishop score ≥ 6 and/or previous vaginal delivery after cesarean section are associated to vaginal delivery after labor induction., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: Planned 6- vs 12-hour placement of the double-balloon catheter for cervical ripening in labor induction hastens delivery. The Foley catheter is low-priced and typically performs at least as well as the proprietary double-balloon devices in labor induction. Maternal satisfaction with labor induction is usually inversely related to the speed of the process., Objective: This study aimed to compare Foley balloon placement for 6 vs 12 hours in the labor induction of multiparas with unfavorable cervixes., Study Design: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in a university hospital in Malaysia from January to October of 2022. Eligible multiparous women admitted for induction of labor for various indications were enrolled. Participant inclusion criteria were multiparity (at least 1 previous vaginal delivery of ≥24 weeks' gestation), age ≥18 years, term pregnancy >37 weeks' gestation, singleton pregnancy, cephalic presentation, intact membranes, normal fetal heart rate tracing, no significant contractions (< 2 in 10 minutes), and unfavorable cervix (Bishop score < 6). Participants were randomized after successful Foley balloon insertion for the balloon to be left in place for 6 or 12 hours of passive ripening before removal to check cervical suitability for amniotomy. The primary outcomes were the induction-to-delivery interval and maternal satisfaction with the allocated intervention assessed using a visual numerical rating scale (0-10). Secondary outcomes were derived in part from the core outcome set for trials on induction of labor (Core Outcomes in Women's and Newborn Health [CROWN]). Maternal outcomes were change in first Bishop score after intervention, use of additional method for cervical ripening, time to delivery after balloon removal, mode of delivery, indication for cesarean delivery, duration of oxytocin infusion, blood loss during delivery, presence of third- or fourth-degree perineal tear, maternal infection, use of regional analgesia in labor, length of hospital stay, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, cardiorespiratory arrest, and need for hysterectomy. The secondary neonatal outcomes were Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, cord blood pH, neonatal sepsis, birthweight, birth trauma, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or need for therapeutic hypothermia. Analyses were conducted with the t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and Fisher exact test, as appropriate., Results: A total of 220 women were randomized (110 to each intervention). Regarding the 2 primary outcomes, the induction-to-delivery intervals were a median (interquartile range) of 15.9 (12.0-24.0) and 21.6 (17.3-26.0) hours (P<.001), and maternal satisfaction scores were 7 (6-8) and 7 (6-8) (P=.734) for 6- and 12-hour placement, respectively. The following rates were observed for 6- and 12-hour placement, respectively: sequential use of additional cervical ripening agent (Foley reinsertion)-29 per 110 (26.4%) and 13 per 110 (11.8%) (relative risk, 2.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.23-4.10; P=.006); spontaneous balloon expulsion-22 per 110 (20.0%) and 37 per 110 (33.6%) (relative risk, 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.38-0.94; P=.022); and recommendation of the allocated intervention to a friend-61 per 110 (73.6%) and 87 per 110 (79.1%) (relative risk, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-1.08; P=.341). Other secondary outcomes, including cesarean delivery, were not significantly different., Conclusion: Foley balloon placement for 6 hours for cervical ripening in parous women hastens birth but does not increase maternal satisfaction relative to 12-hour placement. Foley reinsertion for additional ripening was more frequent in the 6-hour group., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Elective induction of labor at 39 weeks among low-risk nulliparous women has reduced the chance of cesarean and other adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes in a randomized trial, although its clinical effectiveness in nonresearch settings remains uncertain.Objective: To perform a systematic review of observational studies that compared elective induction of labor at 39 weeks among nulliparous women with expectant management and to use meta-analytic techniques to estimate the association of elective induction with cesarean delivery, as well as other maternal and perinatal outcomes.Study Design: Studies were eligible for this meta-analysis only if they: (1) were observational; (2) compared women undergoing labor induction at 39 weeks with women undergoing expectant management beyond that gestational age; (3) included women in the induction group only if they had no other indication for labor induction at 39 weeks; and (4) provided data specifically for nulliparous women. The predefined primary outcome was cesarean delivery, and secondary outcomes representing other maternal and perinatal morbidities also were evaluated. Outcome data from different studies were combined to estimate pooled relative risks with 95% confidence intervals using random-effects models.Results: Of 375 studies identified by the initial search, 6 cohort studies, which included 66,019 women undergoing elective labor induction at 39 weeks and 584,390 undergoing expectant management, met inclusion criteria. Elective induction of labor at 39 weeks was associated with a significantly lower frequency of cesarean delivery (26.4% vs 29.1%; relative risk, 0.83; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.93), as well as of peripartum infection (2.8% vs 5.2%; relative risk, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.72). Neonates of women in the induction group were less likely to have respiratory morbidity (0.7% vs 1.5%; relative risk, 0.71; 95% confidence interval, 0.59-0.85); meconium aspiration syndrome (0.7% vs 3.0%; relative risk, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.26-0.92); and neonatal intensive care unit admission (3.5% vs 5.5%; relative risk, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.88). There also was a lower risk of perinatal mortality (0.04% vs 0.2%; relative risk, 0.27; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.76).Conclusion: This meta-analysis of 6 cohort studies demonstrates that elective induction of labor at 39 weeks, compared with expectant management beyond that gestational age, was associated with a significantly lower risk of cesarean delivery, maternal peripartum infection, and perinatal adverse outcomes, including respiratory morbidity, intensive care unit admission, and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare vaginal delivery rate and perinatal outcomes of fetuses with late-onset fetal growth restriction (FGR) undergoing labor induction, depending on the method for cervical ripening (dinoprostone vs. Foley balloon).Material and Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 148 consecutive singleton gestations diagnosed with stage I late-onset FGR and Bishop score < 7, in which labor induction was indicated at ≥37 + 0 weeks. Before January 2016, cervical ripening was achieved with 10 mg of vaginal dinoprostone (n = 77) and afterwards with Fo-ley balloon (n = 71). Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between mode of delivery and induction method.Results: Foley balloon had lower percentages of uterine tachysystole with fetal repercussion (4.2 vs. 16.9%, p = 0.01) and cesarean sections for suspected fetal distress (7.0 vs. 26.0%, p < 0.01) when compared to dino-prostone. Lower percentages of cesarean sections were found in the Foley balloon group (15.5 vs. 37.7%, p < 0.01). The odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio of cesarean section with dinoprostone were of 3.3 and 4.4, respectively. Perinatal mortality and severe morbidity were null in both groups.Conclusion: The use of Foley balloon resulted in a higher percentage of vaginal delivery compared to dinoprostone, with a favorable safety profile in both groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of mifepristone for cervical ripening and induction of labor and compare the results with dinoprostone gel which is an established agent for labor induction. Methods: A total of 100 patients were enrolled in a prospective study and assigned to one of two treatment protocols. After the exclusion of 10 patients, there were 46 patients in the mifepristone group and 44 in the dinoprostone group. Outcome was evaluated using the improvement in Bishop score, admission delivery interval, duration between induction and the onset of active phase of labor and the mode of delivery. Results: The baseline demographics in the two groups were comparable. The improvement in Bishop's score at first post‐intervention assessment was significantly better in dinoprostone group. Duration between instillation and active phase assessment was significantly lesser in dinoprostone group while the admission delivery interval was lesser in mifepristone group. There was no difference in mode of delivery between the two groups. Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that oral administration of 200 mg mifepristone in term patients is an effective method of labor induction; and is more convenient and equally safe as compared to intravaginal instillation of dinoprostone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our objective was to compare the efficacy of a 200-μg misoprostol vaginal insert vs oral misoprostol regarding the cesarean section rate and the time interval to vaginal delivery in nulliparous women with unfavorable cervix.Material and Methods: In this prospective multicenter trial, 283 nulliparous women at term with Bishop score <6 were randomized to induction of labor with either a misoprostol vaginal insert (n = 140) or oral misoprostol (n = 143). In the oral misoprostol group, a 50-μg dose of oral misoprostol was administered every 4 hours up to three times during the first day; during the second day, the dose was increased to 100-μg every 4 hours up to three times during the first day, if necessary. Primary outcome was the cesarean section rate. Secondary outcomes were the time from induction of labor to vaginal delivery, the rate of other induction methods needed, labor augmentation with oxytocin and/or amniotomy, use of tocolytics and adverse neonatal and maternal events.Results: In the misoprostol vaginal insert group, median time to vaginal delivery was shorter (24.5 hours vs 44.2 hours, P < 0.001), whereas no difference was found in the cesarean section rate (33.8% vs 29.6%, odds ratio [OR] 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-1.91, P = 0.67). Other induction methods and labor augmentation with oxytocin and/or amniotomy were less frequent in the misoprostol vaginal insert group (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.18-0.59 and OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.32-0.99, respectively). Need for tocolysis and meconium-stained amniotic fluid were more common in the misoprostol vaginal insert group (OR 3.63, 95% CI 1.12-11.79 and OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.32-4.29, respectively). Maternal and neonatal adverse events did not differ between groups.Conclusions: Misoprostol vaginal insert proved to shorten the time to vaginal delivery and to reduce the use of other methods of labor induction and augmentation, but it did not reduce the cesarean section rate compared with oral misoprostol. The benefit of more rapid delivery associated with misoprostol vaginal insert should be weighed against the greater risks for uterine hyperstimulation and meconium-stained amniotic fluid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Delivery is the only definite cure for hypertensive disorders. Therefore, cervical ripening and labor induction are important to achieve favorable outcomes. Objective: This Randomized Control Trial (RCT) is aimed to compare the effects of sublingual misoprostol and Foley catheter in cervical ripening and labor induction among patients with preeclampsia or gestational hypertension. Materials and Methods: A total number of 144 women with preeclampsia or gestational hypertention with indication of pregnancy termination, who were referred to academic hospitals of the University of Medical Sciences in Mashhad, Iran, between March 2015 and December 2016, were randomly divided into two groups. In group one (n = 72), 25 µg of misoprostol tablet was administrated sublingually every 4 hr up to six doses. In group two (n = 72), a 16F Foley catheter was placed through the internal cervical os, inflated with 60 cc of sterile saline. Results: There were no significant differences between groups regarding the demographic characteristics, primary bishop score, and pregnancy termination indication. The cervical ripening time (primary outcome) (8.2 vs 14.2 hr, p < 0.00), induction to delivery interval (15.5 vs 19.9 hr, p < 0.00), and vaginal delivery before 24 hr (63.9% vs 40%, p = 0.03) were significantly different between the two groups. There was no significant difference between groups in view of oxytocin requirement (p = 0.12), neonatal Apgar score (p = 0.84), or neonatal intensive care unit admission (p = 78). Conclusion: This trial showed that the application of sublingual misoprostol, compared to the Foley catheter, can reduce cervical ripening period and other parameters related to the duration of vaginal delivery. This misoprostol regimen showed inconsiderable maternal complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Adequate obstetric care requires the availability of essential diagnostic and management equipment; however, for centers with budget restrictions, the acquisition and maintenance of these devices can pose major challenges. The purpose of the present paper is to disseminate knowledge about the availability of affordable and low-maintenance obstetric devices, which might help to save lives in low- and medium-resource countries.Method: Over the course of 2015-2018, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Safe Motherhood and Newborn Health Committee acquired information from different clinical and commercial sources regarding the availability of affordable and low-maintenance essential obstetric devices.Results: The Committee identified several devices that met the criteria of low cost and ease of maintenance: a winding handheld Doppler device for intermittent auscultation; a portable continuous fetal heart rate monitor; a validated semi-automated blood pressure monitor; the Foley catheter balloon for labor induction in women with an unfavorable cervix; reusable metal and plastic vacuum cups and manual pumps; an intrauterine tamponade balloon; and the non-pneumatic anti-shock garment.Conclusion: Several affordable and low-maintenance obstetric devices are currently available that offer the potential to save lives in resource-constrained settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propensity score matching (PSM) and propensity score weighting (PSW) are popular tools to estimate causal effects in observational studies. We address two open issues: how to estimate propensity scores and assess covariate balance. Using simulations, we compare the performance of PSM and PSW based on logistic regression and machine learning algorithms (CART; Bagging; Boosting; Random Forest; Neural Networks; naive Bayes). Additionally, we consider several measures of covariate balance (Absolute Standardized Average Mean (ASAM) with and without interactions; measures based on the quantile‐quantile plots; ratio between variances of propensity scores; area under the curve (AUC)) and assess their ability in predicting the bias of PSM and PSW estimators. We also investigate the importance of tuning of machine learning parameters in the context of propensity score methods. Two simulation designs are employed. In the first, the generating processes are inspired to birth register data used to assess the effect of labor induction on the occurrence of caesarean section. The second exploits more general generating mechanisms. Overall, among the different techniques, random forests performed the best, especially in PSW. Logistic regression and neural networks also showed an excellent performance similar to that of random forests. As for covariate balance, the simplest and commonly used metric, the ASAM, showed a strong correlation with the bias of causal effects estimators. Our findings suggest that researchers should aim at obtaining an ASAM lower than 10% for as many variables as possible. In the empirical study we found that labor induction had a small and not statistically significant impact on caesarean section. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  To compare the efficacy of similar buccal and vaginal misoprostol doses for induction of labor. Study Design  Retrospective chart review of 207 consecutive women undergoing term induction of labor with misoprostol. Misoprostol route and dosing were collected. Time to delivery and other labor outcomes (e.g., vaginal delivery less than 24 hours) were compared between women receiving buccal and vaginal misoprostol. Results  There was no significant difference in time to delivery for women receiving buccal (median 18.2 hour, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [14.9, 21.5]) versus vaginal (median 18.3 hour, 95% CI = [15.0, 20.4]) misoprostol (p  = 0.428); even after adjusting for covariates (p  = 0.381). Women who presented with premature rupture of membranes were more likely to receive buccal misoprostol (92.7% received buccal vs. 7.3% received vaginal, p  < 0.001). A similar number of women delivered vaginally in the buccal group (88.2%) and vaginal misoprostol group (86.8%, p  = 0.835). The proportion of women who experienced uterine tachysystole or chorioamnionitis did not significantly differ by route of administration. Conclusion  We found no significant differences in time to delivery or other labor outcomes between buccal or vaginal dosing of misoprostol in women undergoing labor induction at term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  To assess whether prolonged induction of labor was associated with increased maternal or neonatal morbidity. Study Design  We performed a retrospective cohort study of women undergoing induction of labor at a single institution. We included women with singletons ≥ 36 weeks with initial cervical dilation ≤4 cm. Prolonged induction of labor was defined as lasting > 36 hours from the time of initial method to delivery. A 2-to-1 propensity score-matched analysis was performed between women with and those without prolonged induction of labor. Maternal outcomes were cesarean delivery, chorioamnionitis, endometritis, postpartum hemorrhage, severe perineal laceration, and length of postpartum admission. Neonatal outcomes included Apgar scores, umbilical artery pH, and neonatal intensive care admission. Results  Among 2,021 women, 407 (20.1%) had a prolonged induction. In unadjusted analyses, prolonged induction of labor was associated with increased cesarean delivery and chorioamnionitis. After 2-to-1 propensity score matching, there were 267 women with prolonged induction and 424 controls. Women with prolonged induction of labor had higher rates of cesarean delivery (35.6 vs. 16%, p  < 0.001), chorioamnionitis (14.2 vs. 4.7%, p  < 0.001), endometritis (6.4 vs. 1.9%, p  = 0.002), and postpartum hemorrhage (18.8 vs. 11.9%, p  = 0.008). There were no significant differences in neonatal outcomes. Conclusion  Overall length of induction impacts maternal outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current evidence and professional organizations identify letting labor begin on its own as one of the most important strategies for promoting normal, physiologic birth. It also prevents iatrogenic prematurity and the need for high-tech medical interventions required for labor induction. Because the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) now states that it is reasonable for obstetric care providers to offer induction at 39 weeks to low-risk nulliparous women, it is more important than ever for childbirth educators to be familiar with best evidence on letting labor begin on its own. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To analyze the effect of combined application of intravaginal PGE2 insert and intracervical Foley balloon catheter for induction of labor.Methods: Patients with unfavorable cervices who required induction of labor from August 2017 to December 2017 were evaluated for the study. Three hundred and ten participants were randomly assigned to study (n:155) and control group (n:155). Nine patients in study group and seven patients in control group were excluded, because they declined to participate in the study. Totally, 294 women analyzed in this prospective randomized study: Group 1 (control group): labor induction with intravaginal PgE2 vaginal insert alone (n = 148) and Group 2 (study group): intracervical Foley balloon catheter insertion adjunct to the intravaginal PgE2 insert (n = 146). The primary outcome of our study was the period from induction to delivery. The secondary outcome was the period from induction to active phase of labor.Results: In the analysis of primiparous pregnants, combination of intracervical Foley balloon catheter and intravaginal PgE2 insertion was shown to be associated with shorter duration from induction to active stage of labor (1000 vs. 585 min, P < 0.001) and also to delivery (1386 vs. 1001 min, P < 0.001). Groups were found to be similar in terms of duration from induction to active stage of labor (670.5 vs. 535.2, P > 0.05) and also to delivery (933.1 vs. 777.9, P > 0.05, Table 2) in subgroup of women with the previous vaginal delivery.Conclusions: Combined application of intracervical Foley balloon catheter and intravaginal PgE2 insert may result in a shorter time from labor induction to delivery without rising the risk of cesarean section in primiparous women with an unfavorable cervix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As conflicting results have been reported about the association of reversed flow on the aortic isthmus (AoI) and adverse perinatal results in fetal growth restriction (FGR), we aim to compare perinatal outcomes (including tolerance to labor induction) of late-onset FGR between those with anterograde and reversed AoI flow. Methods: This was an observational retrospective cohort study on 148 singleton gestations diagnosed with late-onset FGR (diagnosis ≥32+0 weeks), with an estimated fetal weight (EFW) <10th centile and mild fetal Doppler alteration: umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) >95th centile, middle cerebral artery (MCA)-PI <5th centile or cerebral-placental ratio <5th centile. Anterograde AoI flow was present in n=79 and reversed AoI flow in n=69. Delivery was recommended from 37 weeks in both groups. Perinatal results were compared between the groups. Results: The global percentage of vaginal delivery of fetuses with anterograde and reversed blood flow was 55.7% vs. 66.7% (P=0.18) and the percentage of cesarean section (C-section) for non-reassuring fetal status was 12.7% vs. 15.9% (P=0.29), respectively. When evaluating those that underwent labor induction, the vaginal delivery rate was 67.9% vs. 77.2% (P=0.17), respectively. There were no significant differences regarding any other perinatal variables and there were no cases of severe morbidity or mortality. Conclusion: We observed that the presence of reversed AoI flow does not worsen perinatal outcomes on fetuses with late-onset growth restriction with mild Doppler alterations. Attempt of labor induction is feasible in these fetuses regardless of the direction of AoI flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Obesity has been recognized by WHO as "a pandemic nutritional disorder which represents a rapidly growing threat to the health of populations of countries world wide". As obesity increases, so does the number of women of reproductive age who are overweight and obese. The problems related to the management of obesity in pregnancy are many. There are both short-and long-term complications and implications for both mother and fetus. Aim of the Work: Evaluation of the effect of maternal obesity on labor induction in post-date pregnancies. Patients and Methods: This prospective case-control study was conducted on two hundred (200) pregnant women who were divided into 2 groups: 100 non-obese pregnant women with BMI < 30 kg/m² and 100 obese pregnant women with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m². These women were investigated for success of induction of labor. All women participants were recruited from Al Hussein and Military Hospitals Departments in the period from 12 – 2017 till 11 – 2018. Results: As regards success of induction, our study revealed that a greater number of obese women had failed induction ending in CS delivery ( no dilatation of cervix after 24 hours of vaginal prostaglandin ) compared to their normal weight counterparts. Conclusion: Obesity is associated with increased incidence of failure of induction of labor ending in CS delivery, increased duration of induction of labor till vaginal deliveries, low Apgar score and increased fetal birth weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Induction of labor is one of the most common interventions practiced in modern obstetrics. In the developed world, the ability to induce labor has contributed to the reduction in maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Objective: The aim of this study is to establish whether dexamethasone plays a role in shortening the duration interval between initiation of labor induction and beginning of the active phase of labor in post-term pregnancy, so shortening the duration of labor. Methodology: This case-controlled trial study was conducted in the labor ward of El Hussein University Hospital and El-Shiekh Zaid Specialized Hospital to evaluate the effect of dexamethasone infusion administration on the duration of induction of labor. This study comprised 100 pregnant women with full term pregnancy, who admitted to the labor ward for induction of labor because of full-term pregnancy (gestational age =40 weeks). Results: There was a high significant statistical difference between the two studied groups as regards duration between labor induction and active phase of labor being shorter in case group. Active phase and second stage of labor were shorter in duration in cases of study than control. No significant statistical difference between the two studied groups as regards mode of delivery, neonatal outcome (birth weight, Apgar score at 1 minute, Apgar score at 5 minutes and fetal complications (meconium stained liquor and admission to NICU). Conclusion: Intravenous infusion of two ml (8 mg) of dexamethasone appears to shorten labor duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the effects of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) on time to delivery and perinatal outcomes in full-term pregnancies underwent dinoprostone-induced labor. Methods: GDM patients that underwent labor induction with dinoprostone vaginal inserts were retrospectively recruited. Full-term pregnancies with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) that underwent labor induction at the same period were recruited as control. Time to delivery and perinatal outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: A total of 1555 pregnancies with 226 GDM and 1329 NGT were recruited. GDM pregnancies had older ages, lower gestational age, higher body mass index (BMI) and abortion history, and more multigravida than NGT pregnancies (P< 0.05). Univariate analysis showed no significant difference in time to delivery and delivery rates between the two groups. However, after adjusted in a multivariate analysis model, the delivery rates of GDM women delivered within 12, 24, 36 or 48 h and those vaginally delivered within 12 or 36 h were significantly lower than those in the NGT group (P< 0.05). Perinatal outcomes were clinically similar between the two groups. Conclusion: GDM did not affect the time to delivery, cesarean delivery and other perinatal outcomes in Chinese women underwent dinoprostone-induced labor. However, it may be associated with the lower rates of delivery within different time intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Prostaglandins have a dual action of cervical ripening and induction of uterine contraction. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of vaginal washing just before insertion of intravaginal dinoprostone. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Health Training and Research Hospital. One hundred and ninety‐one women with singleton, term pregnancy who underwent labor induction were randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 consisted of 95 pregnant women with vaginal washing before intravaginal dinoprostone (Propess system for slow release system of 10 mg of dinoprostone) insertion (study group), and 96 pregnant women constituted the control group who did not undergo vaginal washing before intravaginal dinoprostone insertion. A parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted with an allocation ratio of 1:1 to compare the effectiveness of vaginal washing before intravaginal dinoprostone insertion. Results: The groups had similar mean age, body mass index, gestational age, gravidity, parity and Bishop score before agent insertion (P > 0.05). Duration of dinoprostone kept intravaginally, duration from the beginning of dinoprostone insert vaginally to the active phase of labor and duration from the time of intravaginal dinoprostone insertion to delivery were significantly longer in the control group (P < 0.05). Uterine hyperstimulation rate was significantly higher in study group compared to control group (P < 0.05). Meconium passage, fetal infection and neonatal intensive care unit admission were significantly higher in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Vaginal washing before intravaginal dinoprostone insertion may increase Prostaglandin E2 bioavailability as we found shorter duration and better outcome of labor induction in the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effect of "early amniotomy" {initiating induction of labor (IOL) with amniotomy followed by oxytocin} versus "late amniotomy" (initiating IOL with oxytocin followed by amniotomy 4-8 h later) in induced labor.Methods and Materials: One hundred and fifty women with Bishop's score of ≥6 undergoing IOL were randomized into "early amniotomy" and "delayed amniotomy".Results: Early amniotomy resulted in a reduced induction-delivery interval (IDI) (7.35 versus 11.66 h with delayed amniotomy, p = .000) but higher the caesarean section (CS) rate was observed (10.7 versus 2.7% with delayed amniotomy, p = .049). With early amniotomy, the proportion of women delivering within 12 h was higher (86.7 versus 60%, p = .000) and the maximum oxytocin concentration used was lower (30.05 versus 39.68 mU/min, p = .001) as compared to delayed amniotomy. The neonatal outcomes were similar in the two groups. Early amniotomy detected meconium prior to initiating uterine contractions with oxytocin in three women who underwent CS for meconium.Conclusion: Initiating IOL with amniotomy in women with a favorable cervix was efficacious in expediting delivery, but it resulted in a higher CS rate. The higher CS rate was partly due to CS for meconium detected as a result of early amniotomy. Clinical Trials Registry (CTRI), India: Registration number CTRI/2015/01/005418. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Many countries have noted a substantial increase in the cesarean section rate (CSR). Several methods for lowering the CSR have been described. Understanding the impact of clinical audits on the CSR may aid in lowering CSR. Thus, our aim is to elucidate the effect of clinical audits on the CSR. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 3781 pregnant women who gave birth in a medical center between January 2008 and January 2011. Pregnant women who delivered between January 2008 and July 2009 were enrolled as the pre-audit group (n = 1592). After August 2009, all cesarean section cases that were audited were enrolled in the audit group (n = 2189). The CSR was compared between groups. Results: The overall CSR (34.5% vs. 31.1%, adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.83, p = 0.008) and the cesarean section rate due to dystocia (9.6% vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the audit group than the pre-audit group. However, there was no significant difference in the rate of operative vaginal delivery between groups. Consensus on the unnecessity for cesarean section was achieved in 16 (8.2%) of 195 audit cases in the monthly audit conference. In nulliparous pregnant women (n = 2148), multivariate analysis revealed that clinical audit (OR = 0.78), maternal age (OR = 1.10), gestational age at delivery (OR = 0.80), and fetal body weight at birth (OR = 1.0005) were independent predictors of cesarean section (all p < 0.05). Most variables of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality did not differ before and after audits were implemented. Conclusion: Clinical audits appear to be an effective strategy for reducing the CSR. Therefore, we recommend strict monitoring of the indications in dystocia for cesarean section to reduce the CSR.

Background: The success of labor induction is extremely dependent on the state of the cervix. There are various methods available in modern obstetrics practice for ripening the cervix, such as intravaginal prostaglandins and mechanical devices like transcervical catheters. Although plenty of studies have already compared the two methods for the unripened cervices, more studies are warranted in nulliparous patients only. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of intravaginal misoprostol tablets with transcervical Foley catheter for cervical ripening in nulliparous patients. Methods & Materials: In this randomized clinical trial, 120 nulliparous candidates for labor induction were recruited from two teaching centers in Tabriz within a 17-month period of time. All the enrolled cases had a live singleton fetus with cephalic presentation at term (≥37 weeks), on-admission Bishop Score≤4, intact membranes and reactive non-stress test results. They were randomly assigned to two equal age-matched groups receiving either intravaginal misoprostol (25 microgram, n=59), or transcervical insertion of 16F Foley catheter (n=60). Results: One time successful induction (i.e. successful induction after a single insertion of misoprostol, or expulsion of transcervical Foley catheter within 12 h of insertion) was achieved in all the patients without employment of other methods such as use of syntocinon. Misoprostol was more effective in terms of induction-to-cervical ripening interval (15.16±3.59 h vs. 18.30±1.59 h; p

Objective: To compare fetal fibronectin (fFN) assessment, ultrasound parameters, and Bishop score in the prediction of successful induction of labor at term when cervix is unfavorable. Materials and Methods: Seventy-three nulliparous women undergoing labor induction at term with Bishop score less than 5 were enrolled in this study. Successful labor induction was defined as vaginal delivery occurring within 24 hours of initiation of induction. fFN obtained from vaginal secretion was measured by immunoassay. Results: Patients who delivered within 24 hours (n = 33) differed significantly from the remaining patients by a positive fFN (84.8% vs. 15.2%, p = 0.002). The mean cervical length or Bishop scores were not statistically different between women who delivered vaginally before 24 hours of induction and those who did not (28.9 mm vs. 27.9 mm, p = 0.468 and 3.3 vs. 3.2, p = 0.928, respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis showed only the fFN immunoassay to be an independent statistically significant predictor of vaginal delivery within 24 hours of induction (odds ratio 6.168; 95% confidence interval 1.897–20.059; p = 0.002). A positive fibronectin assay had a sensitivity and specificity of 84.9% and 50%, respectively. Conclusions: In cases with unfavorable cervix, presence of vaginal fFN predicts the success of labor induction.

Induction of labor is a common obstetric procedure performed in nearly a quarter of all deliveries in the United States. Pharmacological (prostaglandins, oxytocin) and/or mechanical methods (balloon catheters) are commonly used for labor induction; however, there is ongoing debate as to which method is the safest and most effective. This narrative review discusses key limitations of published trials on labor induction, including the lack of well-designed randomized controlled trials directly comparing specific methods of induction, heterogeneous trial populations, and wide variation in the protocols used and outcomes reported. Furthermore, the majority of published trials were underpowered to detect significant differences in the most clinically relevant efficacy and safety outcomes (e.g., cesarean delivery, neonatal mortality). By identifying the limitations of labor induction trials, we hope to highlight the importance of quality published data to better inform guidelines and drive evidence-based treatment decisions.

Cervical ripening is often the first component of labor induction and is used to facilitate the softening and thinning of the cervix in preparation for labor. Common methods used for cervical ripening include both mechanical (e.g., Foley or Cook catheters) and pharmacologic (e.g., prostaglandins) methods. The choice of method(s) for ripening should take into account the patient's medical and obstetric history, clinical characteristics, and risk of adverse effects if uterine tachysystole were to occur. In this narrative review, we highlight the differences between the prostaglandins dinoprostone and misoprostol with respect to pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and potential safety concerns. Practical guidance on choosing an appropriate prostaglandin agent for cervical ripening and labor induction is provided via the use of clinical vignettes. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of each preparation allows clinicians to individualize treatment, depending on the indications for induction and unique characteristics of each patient.

Amaç: Uygun Bishop skoruna sahip term gebeliklerde intravenöz sentetik oksitosin indüksiyon başarısını etkileyen faktörleri incelemek Materyal ve Metod: 37. gebelik haftasını tamamlamış ve intravenöz oksitosin infüzyonu ile doğum induksiyonuna karar verilen, bishop skoru>6 olan, tekil ve sefalik prezantasyona sahip 150 gebe çalışmaya dahil edildi. Doğumun 24 saat içerisinde olmaması, fetal distres, sefalopelvik uyumsuzluk ya da ilerlemeyen doğum eylemi nedeniyle sezaryen ile doğum eyleminin sonuçlanması başarısız doğum induksiyonu olarak tanımlandı. İndüksiyon sonucuna etki edebilecek faktörler lojistik regresyon modeli ile analiz edildi. Araştırma Makalesi / Research Article 317 Kokanalı ve ark. Cukurova Medical Journal Bulgular: 150 gebenin 23 (15.3%) tanesinde doğum indüksiyonu başarısız oldu. Lojistik regresyon modelinde, nulliparite varlığı, uzamış gebelik süresi, persiste oksiput posterior pozisyonu ve artmış yenidoğan kilosu indüksiyon başarısını olumsuz etkileyebilecek faktörler olarak bulundu. ROC analizi ile 270 günlük gebelik süresi eşik alındığında %60.9’luk duyarlılık ve %92.9’luk özgüllük ile indüksiyon başarısızlığı öngörülebildiği, diğer taraftan 3445 gramlık yenidoğan kilosu eşik değerinin ise indüksiyon başarısızlığı öngörmede %82.6’lık duyarlılığa ve %71.7’lik özgüllüğe sahip olduğu bulundu. Sonuçlar: Term gebeliklerde uygun Bishop skoru varlığında nulliparite, kısa gebelik süresi, persistan oksiput posterior pozisyonu ve fazla yenidoğan doğum kilosu başarısız senteik oksitosin indüksiyon olasılığını arttırmaktadır

Purpose: To investigate the factors that influence the success of labor induction with synthetic intravenous oxytocin infusion in term pregnancies with favourable Bishop score. Material and Methods: 150 pregnant women with completed 37 weeks of gestation and Bishop score>6 who had single and cephalic presentation of pregnancy and were decided to underwent labor induction with intravenous oxytocin infusion were included in the study. Labor induction was considered unsuccessful if a vaginal delivery did not occur within 24 hours after the onset of loxytocin infusion or a cesarean section was performed during oxytocin infusion due to foetal distress, cephalopelvic disproportion or failure to progress in labor. Multivariable regression were used to identify odds of induction success. Results: Out of 150 women, induction of labor was unsuccessful in 23 (15.3%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that nulliparity, shorter gestation period, persistent occiput posterior presentation and greater birth weight were independent risk factors for the induction failure. ROC curve analysis stated that gestation period of 3445-gram-birth weight has a sensitivity of 82.6% and a spesificity of 71.7% for the prediction of failure. Conclusion: Nulliparity, shorter gestation period, persistent occiput posterior presentation and greater birth weight increase the failure risk of labor induction with intravenous synthetic oxytocin infusion. [Cukurova Med J 2015; 40(2.000): 317-325]

Background: In China, no multicenter double-blinded prospective randomized controlled study on labor induction has been conducted till now. This study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravaginal accurate 25-μg misoprostol tablets for cervical ripening and labor induction in term pregnancy in nulliparous women. Methods: This was a double-blinded, prospective randomized controlled study including nulliparous women from 6 university hospitals across China. Subjects were randomized into misoprostol or placebo group with the sample size ratio set to 7:2. Intravaginal 25-μg misoprostol or placebo was applied at an interval of 4 h (repeated up to 3 times) for labor induction. Primary outcome measures were the incidence of cumulative Bishop score increases ≥3 within 12 h or vaginal delivery within 24 h. Safety assessments included the incidences of maternal morbidity and adverse fetal/neonatal outcomes. Results: A total of 173 women for misoprostol group and 49 women for placebo were analyzed. The incidence of cumulative Bishop score increases ≥3 within 12 h or vaginal delivery within 24 h was higher in the misoprostol group than in the placebo (64.2% vs. 22.5%, relative risk [RR]: 2.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-6.0). The incidence of onset of labor within 24 h was significantly higher in the misoprostol group than in the placebo group (48.0% vs. 18.4%, RR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.2-5.7); and the induction-onset of labor interval was significantly shorter in the misoprostol group (P = 0.0003). However, there were no significant differences in the median process time of vaginal labor (6.4 vs. 6.8 h; P = 0.695), incidence (39.3% vs. 49.0%, RR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.4-1.5) and indications (P = 0.683) of cesarean section deliveries, and frequencies of maternal, fetal/neonatal adverse events between the groups. Conclusion: Intravaginal misoprostol 25 μg every 4 h is efficacious and safe in labor induction and cervical ripening.