Am J Perinatol 2004; 21(3): 139-146
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-823777
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

A Randomized Trial Comparing Vaginal Misoprostol versus Foley Catheter with Concurrent Oxytocin for Labor Induction in Nulliparous Women

James Culver1 , Robert A. Strauss1 , Seth Brody2 , Karen Dorman1 , Sally Timlin2 , Michael J. McMahon1
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
  • 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, WakeMed, Raleigh, North Carolina
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
14 April 2004 (online)

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of intracervical Foley catheter with concurrent use of oxytocin versus vaginal misoprostol for labor induction in nulliparous women. Nulliparous women with Bishop score <6 who presented for labor induction were randomized to either 25 μg vaginal misoprostol every 4 hours followed by oxytocin, if indicated, or intracervical Foley catheter with simultaneous use of oxytocin. Among the 162 patients enrolled, 79 (49%) received misoprostol and 83 (51%) received Foley/oxytocin. We were unable to demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the misoprostol group and Foley/oxytocin group in the incidence of cesarean delivery (35% versus 29%; p = 0.37). The induction-to-delivery time was significantly shorter in the Foley/oxytocin group (18 versus 24 hours; p < 0.01). No differences in intrapartum complications, neonatal outcomes, or maternal morbidity were found. When compared with vaginal misoprostol, intracervical Foley catheter combined with oxytocin has a similar efficacy and safety profile for labor induction in nulliparous women. Foley/oxytocin results in a shorter induction-to-vaginal delivery time compared with misoprostol.

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Robert A StraussM.D. 

University of North Carolina

CB# 7516, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7516

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