Oral Misoprostol and IV Oxytocin Efficacy, Safety Compared for Labor Induction in Term Prelabor Rupture of Membranes

Prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) at term is a common obstetric complication requiring timely labor induction to prevent maternal and neonatal infections. Current induction methods, primarily oxytocin, have varying success rates and potential side effects. There's a need for safer, more effective, and patient-friendly alternatives. Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 analog, offers a promising option due to its uterotonic properties and oral administration route, potentially improving patient experience and reducing healthcare burden. This study addresses the gap in comparative efficacy and safety data between these two common approaches.

This was a randomized controlled clinical trial enrolling 200 pregnant women with term prelabor rupture of membranes. Participants were randomized to receive either oral misoprostol every four hours until labor onset, or intravenous oxytocin in increasing doses. The primary endpoints included the rate of vaginal delivery, efficacy, and safety profiles of both interventions. The study aimed to compare these outcomes between the misoprostol and oxytocin arms.