Uterine response to labor started with oral prostaglandin E2 tablets versus intravenous oxytocin

Oral prostaglandin E2 tablets induced fewer contractions per hour compared to intravenous oxytocin.

• Contractions induced by oral prostaglandin E2 were longer and more variable in length than those from intravenous oxytocin.
• No differences were observed in basal uterine tone or contraction amplitude between the two methods.
• In a comparison of 65 patients using oral prostaglandin E2 and 41 patients using intravenous oxytocin, the induction-delivery interval was not significantly different.
• Prostaglandin E2 tablets at a dose of 0.5 mg hourly were found to be an inadequate adjunct to low amniotomy in nulliparous patients.
• There were no significant differences in fetal heart rate patterns or gastrointestinal side effects between the two groups.

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