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A Study Comparing Vaginal Misoprostol and Intravenous Oxytocin for Induction of Labor

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Induction of Labor in Multiparous Women
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT01634854
Lead Sponsor
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Brief Summary

This study will compare the effectiveness of vaginal misoprostol (Cytotec) and intravenous oxytocin (Pitocin) in multiparous women who present at term for labor induction.

Detailed Description

Both oxytocin and misoprostol have been demonstrated to be safe and effective methods for induction of labor. A direct comparison of efficacy and time to delivery in multiparas has not been specifically investigated. Additionally, the study will look at costs of the two drugs.Oxytocin is administered through an IV so requires more direct patient care time from the Registered Nurse, IV pump, and tubing, whereas misoprostol is a tablet, administered only once, per vagina or orally, every 4 hours. Misoprostol is also very inexpensive comparatively; if equally or more efficacious than oxytocin, this could demonstrate quite a cost and time savings to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and other institutions. Safety of either drug is not in question.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Female
Target Recruitment
130
Inclusion Criteria
  • Clinical candidate for labor induction utilizing either misoprostol or oxytocin
  • Greater than or equal to 18 years of age
  • Multiparous
  • Singleton gestation;
  • Greater than 37 weeks gestation;
  • Cephalic presentation
Exclusion Criteria
  • Any clinical contraindication to misoprostol as induction drug
  • Age less than 18 years
  • Contraindication to vaginal birth
  • Nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracing
  • Prior uterine surgery
  • Active labor
  • Active maternal bleeding
  • Chorioamnionitis (infection)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Intravenous OxytocinIntravenous Oxytocin2 miu per minute increased in increments of 1-2 miu per minute every 30 minutes to establish an effective contraction pattern. Route of administration: intravenous
Vaginal MisoprostolVaginal MisoprostolDosage: 25 µg every 4 hours up to a maximum of 4 doses until cervical change is consistent with a diagnosis of active labor Route of administration: Intravaginal
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Time From Induction to Vaginal DeliveryTime to delivery in minutes from initiation of medication, up to 24 hours

Comparing the time to delivery in multiparas undergoing induction of labor with vaginal misoprostol or intravenous oxytocin.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Neonatal APGAR ScoresAt 1 minute and 5 minutes after delivery

APGAR is a scoring system that evaluates Activity, Pulse, Grimace, Appearance, and Respiration. Each category is given a score of 0-2 points (with 0 being absent and 2 being normal), the points are then combined for a total score that ranges from 0-10. Scores 7 and above are generally normal, 4 to 6 are fairly low, and 2 and below are considered critically low.

Neonatal Weight at DeliveryImmediately following delivery

Neonatal Weight

Maternal Delivery OutcomesThrough discharge from hospital

Maternal delivery outcomes

Maternal Satisfaction With Labor6 weeks post-partum
Number of Participants With Excessive Uterine Activity Necessitating TreatmentMeasured from initiation of medication until delivery time

Number of patients receiving terbutaline during labor for uterine tachysytole

NICU Admission and APGAR Less Than 7 at 5 MinutesThrough discharge from hospital

NICU admission and APGAR less than 7 at 5 minutes

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