Abstract: Background: This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and safety of 25 microgram of misoprostol by vaginal and sublingual route for labour induction in term pregnancy.
Method: A prospective randomized comparative clinical study to compare the effects of low dose misoprostol with vaginal and sublingual misoprostol administration for induction of labour at term, study was done at labour room of GMERS Medical College and general hospital, Gotri, Vadodara from September 2020 to September 2022. Total 150 patients of Term pregnancy requiring induction of labour for various indications were selected, divided into two groups by random allocation, half were given vaginal and half were given sublingual 25 microgram misoprostol every 4 hourly for maximum of 5 doses. Main outcome measures were induction to delivery interval, number of doses of misoprostol, mode of delivery, meconium stained liquor, incidence of uterine tachysystole and hypertonus.
Results: On comparing both groups in the sublingual group shorter induction to delivery interval (P=0.0035), a smaller number of doses of misoprostol (P=0.0445) and less number of per vaginal examination (P=0.0130). Less number of oxytocin augmentation (P=0.6994) were found compared to vaginal group, more number of patient delivered vaginally in sublingual group (P=0.1808), but statistically not significant. There was no significant difference in the age group and gestational age, Bishop score, indication for induction of labour, Drug side effects like diarrhea vomiting, uterine hypertonus and meconium stained liquor among the groups in the study.
Conclusion: Misoprostol was effective in induction of labor when administered by either sublingual or vaginal route. Sublingual route had significantly less induction to delivery time interval and less doses were required and convenient to the patient as less pervaginal examinations are required. Sublingual route seems to have better efficacy than vaginal route.
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