A randomized comparison between misoprostol and dinoprostone for cervical ripening and labor induction in patients with unfavorable cervices.

OBJECTIVE To compare the efficacy and safety of two prostaglandin derivatives, misoprostol and dinoprostone, for ripening the cervix and inducing labor in women with an unfavorable cervix. METHODS One hundred fifty-five women admitted for induction of labor to St. John's Mercy Medical Center, a teaching community hospital, were randomized to one of two methods: intravaginal misoprostol, 50 microg every 4 hours up to three doses (n = 76); and intracervical dinoprostone gel, 0.5 mg every 6 hours up to three doses (n = 79). RESULTS Misoprostol was more effective than dinoprostone in causing cervical ripening (P = .01), inducing labor (P < .001), shortening the duration of labor (P < .001), and decreasing the need for oxytocin augmentation (P < .001). Nonreassuring fetal heart monitoring patterns associated with hyperstimulation were significantly more frequent (P < .001), and the incidence of cesarean deliveries because of this indication was significantly higher (P = .002) in patients receiving misoprostol. CONCLUSIONS Misoprostol is an effective agent for cervical ripening and labor induction, but it causes an increase in cesarean deliveries associated with uterine hyperstimulation.