Misoprostol for cervical ripening: a clinical trial in 60 pregnant women

Cervical ripening usually begins prior to the labor when there is an unripe cervix. Complications will increase significantly when the cervix is not ripped. Misoprostol is a pharmacologic agent available for cervical ripening and labor induction. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of administration of a single dose of 25 mg vaginal Misoprostol (A) with 100 mg Misoprostol (B) for cervical ripening. Sixty subjects with pregnancies of at least 40 gestation weeks, and an unfavorable cervix (Bishop Score <6) were randomly assigned to receive one dose oral misoprostol 100 mg or 25 mg vaginal misoprostol. The main dependent variables were mode of delivery, time interval from induction to cervical ripening, need for additional oxytocin, perinatal results and maternal side effects. The mean time from the indication of induction to cervical ripening was the same in the two groups (3.63 h in oral group and 3.9 h in vaginal group). Two groups did not differ statistically in the percent of patients who were delivered vaginally or with cesarean section during 24 hours (20% in group A versus 10% in group B). Based on the results of our study, Misoprostol is an effective drug for the cervical ripening and labor induction in the term pregnancies. 25 mg vaginal tablet of Misoprostol is as effective as 100 mg oral misoprostol for cervical ripening.