A Comparison of Two Dosing Regimens of Misoprostol in Labour Induction: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of 50μg of sublingual misoprostol administered six (6) hourly to that of 50μg of vaginal misoprostol administered four (4) hourly. Methodology: A non-blinded, randomized controlled trial conducted from Sept 1, 2014, to Nov 31, 2014, at a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Hundred and sixty women with medical or obstetric indications for labour induction were randomized into two groups. Results: The rate of vaginal delivery, caesarean section, uterine tachysystole and uterine hyperstimulation were similar in both groups. Sixty-three (78.8%) and 66 (82.5%) mothers in the vaginal and sublingual groups delivered vaginally. More (10.0%) mothers in the vagina group required emergency caesarean for foetal distress. Six (vaginal group) and 8 (sublingual group) of the mothers required emergency caesarean for cephalopelvic disproportion. Three mothers from each group had an emergency caesarean section due to failed labour induction. Almost the same number of mothers had uterine tachysystole in both groups. More (3.8%) mothers in the vaginal group had uterine hyperstimulation. Differences in the mean induction delivery interval and the need for oxytocin augmentation were not significant. No differences were found in the intrapartum passage of meconium, blood loss in the third stage of labour, 5-minute Apgar score <7, and neonatal intensive care unit admissions. Conclusion: The sublingual regimen was as effective and safe as the vaginal regimen in achieving vaginal delivery.