Clinical trial comparing artificial rupture of membranes plus oral PGE2 tablets versus artificial rupture of membranes plus intravenous oxytocin for induction of labour in primigravid patients at term.

We report the results of a pilot study conducted to compare the efficacy of oral prostaglandin E2 versus intravenous oxytocin in inducing labour after lower amniotomy in 20 primigravid patients at term. The results suggest no significant differences in the performance of each group for the induction to delivery interval, the mode of delivery, the Apgar score at five minutes or for third stage abnormalities. However, the use of oral PGE2 allows the patient unrestricted mobility and avoids the discomfort of i.v. infusions.