COMPARISON OF INDUCTION OF LABOR WITH FOLEY CATHETER AND PROSTAGLANDINS IN POSTDATE PREGNANCIES

Induction of Labor With Foley Catheter And Prostaglandins

Abstract

Objective: To compare the success of Foley catheter and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in females presenting with postdates pregnancy.
Study Design: Randomized controlled trial.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of obstetrics and gynecology, Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Quetta Jun 2015 to Oct 2015.
Material and Methods: Through non-probability, consecutive sampling technique 150 cases were included in the study. Informed consent and demographic details were noted. All females were randomly divided in two equal groups by using lottery method. In group A, Foley catheters, were administered. Speculum examination was performed, and 16F standard latex Foley catheter was inserted, using aseptic technique, above the internal cervical os and inflated with 30 mL of sterile water. The catheter was taped to the inner thigh with slight traction, and spigot inserted to occlude the lumen. In group B, PGE2 gel was inserted into the posterior vaginal fornix. Initially 2 mg dose per vaginum for nulliparous and 1 mg per vaginum for multi parous women was used. A post-insertion cardiotocography (CTG) was performed for at least 30 minutes. The cervix was re-examined after six hours and, if required, the procedure repeated using a further 1 mg PGE2 (regardless of parity). Success was labelled for those females who delivered vaginally within 24 hours. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. Both groups were compared for success in terms of vaginal delivery within 24 hrs by using chi-square test. A p-value ≤0.05 was taken as significant.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 28.33 ± 5.79 years, the mean gestational age was 42.00 ± 0.82 weeks. Success was achieved in 76 cases in which 26 were from group A and 50 were from group B. Statistically highly significant difference was found between the study groups and success of the patients i.e. p-value=0.000.
Conclusion: PGE2 showed significantly greater success in terms of vaginal delivery within 24 hrs as compared to Foley catheter in females presenting with postdates pregnancy.