The New Indian Journal of OBGYN. 12(1):152-157

Comparative evaluation of transcervical Foley’s catheter and intravaginal misoprostol for preinduction cervical ripening - a prospective study

Shital R Kadam, Shuchi M Jain, Shreya S Mor, Pradeep Biswas, Nilesh Solanke, Ushma Mishra

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of intravaginal misoprostol and transcervical Foley’s catheter in the cervical ripening and its effects on neonatal outcomes. Method: This was a prospective observational study conducted on 280 women for preinduction cervical ripening fulfilling inclusion criteria and giving consent for study. Patient was randomly assigned to either Foley’s catheter group (Group A), and misoprostol (Group B). This study compared indications of labor, duration, and progression of labor, maternal outcomes and neonatal outcome in both groups. Results: Most of the women were primigravida most common indications being oligohydramnios + IUGR. In group B cervical ripening seen <6 hour was 42 (30%) and in group A was 26 (18.5%). Postripening Bishop’s score 8 in group B and group A was in 58(41.43%) and 65 (46.43%). Artificial rupture of membrane was done in group A in 116 (83.86%) and 83 (59.29%) in group B and oxytocin in 46 (32.86%) and in group B 21 (15%). Mean ± SD of induction to delivery time in group A, group B was 18.9 ± 4 hrs, 16.2 ± 3.7 hrs respectively. Vaginal deliveries more in group A than group B was 91 (65%) and 74 (52.86). Groups A and B, maternal adverse effect was significantly different (p=0.020). NICU admission for birth asphyxia of group A was comparable to group B (p >0.05). Conclusion: Thus we conclude that though both methods are effective for preinduction cervical ripening. Intracervical Foley’s catheter is safer and can be considered as an alternative mode.