A prospective study of high- versus low-dose oxytocin for induction of labor

Ariel Hourvitz, Menachem Alcalay, Jacob Korach, Ayala Lusky, Gad Barkai, Daniel S. Seidman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)636-641
Number of pages6
JournalActa Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica
Volume75
Issue number7
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1996
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Induction
  • Oxytocin
  • Trial of labor

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