Randomized Study Compares Oxytocin Versus Dinoprostone-Oxytocin for Labor Induction in Term PROM

Prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) occurs in 8% of term pregnancies, preceding labor onset. A prolonged interval from PROM to delivery significantly increases the risk of chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis. While active management shortens this interval and reduces postnatal infections, the optimal induction strategy for term PROM, particularly with an unfavorable cervix, remains controversial. Current options include immediate versus delayed induction. This study addresses the need for clearer guidance on concurrent oxytocin and prostaglandin use to reduce induction-to-delivery times and improve outcomes.

This randomized study aims to compare two labor induction protocols in term prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) patients. The first arm receives oxytocin infusion, starting at 2 milliunits/milliliter and increasing by 2 milliunits/milliliter every 30 minutes to achieve an adequate contraction pattern, up to a maximum dose. The second arm involves sustained-release dinoprostone followed six hours later by oxytocin infusion, with the oxytocin protocol mirroring the first arm. The study plans to enroll an estimated 524 participants. Primary endpoints are not explicitly stated in the provided abstract.