A Comparison of Intravaginal Misoprostol with Intracervical Prostaglandin E, Gel for the Management of Dead Fetus in Utero

Abstract

Objective To compare the effectiveness and side effects of vaginal misoprostol with prostaglandin E, gel for induction of labour in intrauterine fetal death.

Subjects A total of 54 women with antepartum fetal death between 14 and 39 weeks of gestation was randomly assigned to have either 100 ug intravaginal misoprostol or 3 mg intracervical prostaglandin E, gel at 24 hours interval.

Results The mean induction to delivery interval was 24.3 hours for misoprostol and 23.0 hours for prostaglandin E, gel. The 24 hours success rate was 69% in misoprostol group compared to 64% in prostaglandin E, group. The mean dose of misoprostol used was 213.8 ug and for prostaglandin E, was 5.6 mg. The number of oxytocin used, the incomplete expulsion of placenta and the side effects were not significantly difference in either groups.

Conclusion Vaginal misoprostol in dose of 100 ug is effective, practical and inexpensive for induction of labour in intrauterine fetal death.