Abstract
Background. To assess the efficacy and safety of a high-dosage oxytocin induction regimen. Methods. A randomized prospective study of 179 patients who received an initial dose of either 2.5 (n = 98) or 1.25 (n = 81) mU/minute of oxytocin, with increments of 2.5 mU/minute or 1.25 at 30-minute intervals. Results. Failure rates (15.3% versus 19.8%), time to delivery, the number of assisted vaginal deliveries, cesarean sections, and maternal and fetal complications were not significantly different in the two protocols. However. the use of a high oxytocin dose resulted in significantly higher mean peak doses and increased total cumulative amounts. These were associated with a significant need to modify the oxytocin infusion protocol for hyperstimulation and fetal heart rate changes (65.1% versus 46.2%). Conclusions. Induction with higher dose oxytocin increments did not shorten time to delivery, but was associated with an increase: in uterine hyperstimulation. Low-dose oxytocin was found to be appropriate and safe for labor induction.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 636-641 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica |
| Volume | 75 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Aug 1996 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Induction
- Oxytocin
- Trial of labor