EXPERIENCE WITH MISOPROSTOL INDUCTION OF LABOUR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MAIDUGURI TEACHING HOSPITAL, MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA

Background: Induction of labour is an important intervention inObstetrics and the use of misoprostol for induction of labour is aninteresting chapter in contemporary practice.Objective: This study sought to review the outcome of induction oflabour with misoprostol at the University of Maiduguri TeachingHospital (UMTH).Methods: A retrospective study of 228 women who were inducedwith 50 μg and 57 women who were induced with 100μgmisoprostol both placed in the posterior fornix of the vagina.Results: The leading indications were postdatism and pregnancyinduced hypertension seen in 148 (51.9%) and 79 (27.7%),respectively. The mean insertion to delivery interval was 8.4+2.3and 10.2+3.6 hours for the 100μg and 50μg, respectively(p<0.001). Significantly more of the patients induced with 100ugof misoprostol delivered within 12 hours compared to thoseinduced with 50ug of misoprostol (86% vs 54.4%). More of thebabies delivered to women induced with 100ug of misoprostolwere asphyxiated 12.3% (7/57) compared to 6.6% (15/228) inthose with 50ug misoprostol. There were no statisticallysignificant differences between the two groups in achievingvaginal delivery, oxytocin use and caesarean section.Conclusion: The short induction to delivery interval in the 100uggroup appears attractive but the associated higher rate of birthasphyxia is a significant drawback. The 50μg dosing isassociated with less birth asphyxia and therefore may be saferthan the 100ug dosing for induction of labour. Author Affiliations:Corresponding Author:Keywords: misoprostol, induction of labourDepartment of Obstetrics andGynaecology,University of MaiduguriTeaching Hospital, P.M.B 1414,Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria.Dr Babagana BakoDepartment of Obstetrics andGynaecology, University ofMaiduguri Teaching HospitalP.M.B 1414, Maiduguri, Borno State,Nigeria.E-mail= This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.