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PubMed2004

Dystocia in nulliparous patients monitored with fetal pulse oximetry.

OBJECTIVE: A critical analysis of the United States randomized controlled trial of fetal pulse oximetry concluded that nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns used for study entry may have been a marker for dystocia. We prospectively studied nulliparous women in labor whose progress was monitored with fetal pulse oximetry to examine the relationship between nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns and operative delivery for dystocia. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective nonrandomized observational cohort study compared two distinct classes of nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns (class I: intermittent, mildly nonreassuring; class II: persistent, progressive, and moderate to severely nonreassuring) among nulliparous patients with the use of fetal pulse oximetry to confirm fetal well-being. Definitions of dystocia included the cessation of labor progress in the first (3 hours) or second (2 hours) stage of labor, despite adequate uterine activity that was assessed with an intrauterine pressure catheter. Independent review confirmed the classification of nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns and study entry criteria. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-four patients met study criteria and had sufficient information for fetal heart rate tracing interpretation. Two hundred thirty-seven patients (86.5%) were class II, and 37 patients (13.5%) were class I. The two classes of patients were comparable in a variety of obstetric, demographic, and perinatal variables. Twelve percent of all patients were delivered for nonreassuring fetal status. Significantly more class II patients (22%) were delivered by cesarean for dystocia than were class I patients (8%). Higher doses and a longer number of hours of oxytocin were required among class II patients. Significantly more occiput posterior positions were noted among all patients who underwent cesarean delivery for dystocia compared with other modes of delivery. CONCLUSION: Significantly nonreassuring fetal heart rate patterns predict cesarean delivery for dystocia among nulliparous patients with normally oxygenated fetuses in a setting of a standardized labor management protocol. This confirms the observations in the randomized controlled trial of fetal pulse oximetry in the United States and may provide insight into the treatment of nonprogressive labor in contemporary practice.

Cesarean Section↗
PubMed1994

[Maternal plasma beta-endorphin levels during labor in relation to maternal obesity].

The relationship between maternal plasma levels of beta-endorphin (beta-Ep) during labor and various obstetrical factors was investigated in 115 healthy pregnant women. beta-Ep was determined by radioimmunoassay using double-antibody RIA kit (INCSTAR Corporation, Stillwater, M'S.). The results were as follows: (1) The primiparous women showed a significant increase of maternal plasma levels of beta-Ep at delivery compared with the multiparous women. In addition, the group of women whose Bishop's score at the onset of labor was 5 points or less showed a significant increase of maternal plasma levels of beta-Ep at delivery compared with that in the group of women whose Bishop's score was 6 points or more. (2) The increase in maternal plasma levels of beta-Ep during the first and the second stage of labor was significantly higher in obese women (pre-pregnancy BMI > or = 24) than in normal weight women (pre-pregnancy BMI < 24). In normal weight women in pre-pregnancy, the group of women whose weight gain during pregnancy was 11kg or more showed a significantly higher increase of beta-Ep compared with that in the group of women whose weight gain was less than 11 kg. These results suggest that a stressful delivery caused a significant increase of maternal plasma levels of beta-Ep during labor. Moreover, obesity and marked weight gain during pregnancy caused a remarkable increase in beta-Ep probably due to latent dystocia.

Female↗
PubMed2004

Background infusion is not beneficial during labor patient-controlled analgesia with 0.1% ropivacaine plus 0.5 microg/ml sufentanil.

BACKGROUND: Although patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) during labor has been extensively studied in recent clinical trials, the role of a background infusion associated with self-administered boluses is still debated. The authors designed a study to assess whether the use of PCEA with or without background infusion could improve the comfort of parturients and their satisfaction during labor and delivery without affecting the total consumption of local anesthetics. METHODS: One hundred thirty-three laboring parturients requesting epidural analgesia administered via PCEA with a solution of 0.1% ropivacaine plus 0.5 microg/ml sufentanil were randomly assigned to four groups, according to the rate of background infusion used (0, 3, 6, and 9 ml/h). Local anesthetic requirements, maternal satisfaction, verbal pain scores, incidence of side effects, and outcome of labor were compared among groups. RESULTS: Patient demographics, labor characteristics, side effects, and Apgar scores were similar in each group. No significant differences were observed between groups in verbal pain scores during labor, number of supplemental boluses, or maternal satisfaction. A significantly greater overall total drug consumption with a 6-ml/h or a 9-ml/h background infusion (74 and 78 ml, respectively) was observed in comparison with PCEA without a background infusion (55 ml). A similar relation was observed for hourly use during both the first and the second stage of labor. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the use of a background infusion with PCEA during labor leads to a greater consumption of anesthetic solution without improving comfort and satisfaction of parturients. Moreover, not using a background infusion does not provide an increased incidence of supplemental boluses (which might cause problems in a busy unit) and allows for a substantial reduction in the cost of analgesia.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Pregnancy, labor, delivery, and pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: To compare 1) the occurrence of pelvic organ prolapse after vaginal and cesarean delivery, and 2) the susceptibility of black and white women to developing prolapse during childbirth. METHODS: Ninety-four nulliparous women were evaluated for pelvic organ prolapse at their 36-week antepartum and 6-week postpartum visits using the International Continence Society staging system. A change in International Continence Society stage from 36 weeks antepartum to 6 weeks postpartum was considered pelvic organ prolapse that developed during childbirth. RESULTS: Forty-three (46%) of 94 nulliparous women had pelvic organ prolapse at their 36-week antepartum visit. Twenty-four (26%) had a stage II prolapse. Six weeks postpartum, 13 of 41 (32%) who had spontaneous vaginal delivery and nine of 26 (35%) who had cesarean delivery during active labor developed a new prolapse (P =.805). Seven (17%) who had spontaneous vaginal delivery and two (8%) who had cesarean delivery during active labor revealed a more severe prolapse (P =.237). Eighteen (33%) of 54 black and 17 (43%) of 40 white women developed a new prolapse during childbirth (P =.363). Eight (15%) black and six (15%) white women revealed a more severe prolapse (P =.980). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that elective cesarean is only partially effective in preventing pelvic organ prolapse. Cesarean delivery during active labor and vaginal delivery had a similar effect on the maternal pelvic support. This indicates that prolapse developed during the first and not the second stage of labor. Black women are as susceptible to developing prolapse during childbirth as their white counterparts.

Black People↗
PubMed1983

[Progress of labor and cardiotocographic parameters in mobilization during labor].

Report about 156 intrapartum ambulations who failed progress of labor. Internal fetal monitoring was used in all patients. Labor progress with cervical dilatation was stated in 92,1% in first stage and in 68,7% in second stage of labor. An average increase of 10 mmHg in baseline tonus and an increase in amplitude and contraction frequency were found. No significant changes in either FHR baseline, variability or floating line were observed during ambulation. The lack of any demonstrable ill effects with ambulation in labor and the improved tolerance to pain and comfort are remarkable. Intrapartum ambulation with internal fetal monitoring has a great efficacy for progress of labor and is safe for both mother and fetus.

Female↗
PubMed1987

Addiction in pregnancy: high risk intrapartum management and outcome.

Drug-dependent women (DDW) have an increased incidence of medical and obstetrical complications; however, little information exists on the intrapartum course and management of these patients. Within the context of Family Center, a study was undertaken to determine if the DDW had normal patterns of labor and if standard intrapartum management is appropriate. The study population included 336 women of which 112 were DDW (72 per cent receiving methadone maintenance). The comparison group of 224 non drug dependent women was matched for gravidity, parity, and socioeconomic background. The incidence of premature delivery, abruptio placentae, breech presentation, and intrauterine growth retardation were significantly greater in the DDW. The average duration of the first, second, and third stages of labor compared well with the normal course of labor and matched the results of the comparison group. Labor abnormalities and cesarean sections were of no greater incidence, but there were more than twice as many forceps deliveries which coincides with the 40 per cent increased use of epidural anesthesia. Analgesia and anesthesia were in excess of that which is given to the average patient. There were three stillborns, one neonatal death, and one maternal death. Apgar scores and the incidence of fetal distress and meconium staining were identical in both groups. Postpartum complications were more common in the DDW, but most were secondary to the use of subclavian intravenous lines inserted due to the presence of sclerotic veins. These data suggest that high risk prenatal management and careful monitoring in the intra- and postpartum periods utilizing epidural anesthesia identifies and usually prevents untoward complications in DDW.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Randomized comparison of oral misoprostol and oxytocin for labor induction in term prelabor membrane rupture.

OBJECTIVES: To compare labor induction intervals between oral misoprostol and intravenous oxytocin in women who present at term with premature rupture of membranes. METHODS: One hundred eight women were randomly assigned to misoprostol 50 microg orally every 4 hours as needed or intravenous oxytocin. The primary outcome measure was time from induction to vaginal delivery. Sample size was calculated using a two-tailed alpha of 0.05 and power of 80%. RESULTS: Baseline demographic data, including maternal age, gestation, parity, Bishop score, birth weight, and group B streptococcal status, were similar. The mean time +/-standard deviation to vaginal birth with oral misoprostol was 720+/-382 minutes compared with 501+/-389 minutes with oxytocin (P = .007). The durations of the first, second, and third stages of labor were similar. There were no differences in maternal secondary outcomes, including cesarean birth (eight and seven, respectively), infection, maternal satisfaction with labor, epidural use, perineal trauma, manual placental removal, or gastrointestinal side effects. Neonatal outcomes including cord pH, Apgar scores, infection, and admission to neonatal intensive care unit were not different. CONCLUSION: Although labor induction with oral misoprostol was effective, oxytocin resulted in a shorter induction-to-delivery interval. Active labor intervals and other maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar.

Female↗
PubMed1994

[Acute puerperal uterine inversion: a report of 3 cases and an analysis of 358 cases in the literature].

Acute puerperal uterine inversion is a rare but very feared obstetrical complication. It determines an almost immediate shock and serious metrorrhagia. It is a "glove-finger" introflexion of parietes uteri which takes place during the third stage of labor or during the first hours of puerperium. It can be distinguished in inversion of I, II or III degree according to the zone concerned by the introflexion: only the fundus of the uterus, all the corpus emerging in the vagina or the entirety of the uterus coming out from the vulvar orifice. The research carried out in the archives of the Department Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" has showed, for the 20 years 1968-1988, 3 cases of uterine inversion out of a total of 69,677 childbirths. The uterine inversion was immediately diagnosed and in all the 3 cases a method of replacement by central taxis was practiced. In 2 cases, despite the packed tamponade, there was a recidivist or persistent uterine inversion of 1 degree, and in both cases a surgical reduction by laparatomy was practiced. In 1 of the 2 cases a hysterectomy was needed because of the persisting metratonia and metrorrhagia. The III case was treated with a manual replacement, a uterus massage from outside keeping the organ, with fist inside the cavity, in forced anteflexion in order to reach a good contractile activity. In 2 of the 3 cases the placental stage was operative, manual in 1 case and with fundal pressure applied abdominally in the other. We have found and analysed, in the international literature, 358 cases described from 1939 to 1989. The homogeneous data have been grouped in 21 tables for an easier visualization. Frequency varies from 1 out of 1,200 childbirths to 1 out of 57,393 childbirths. The medium value has been 1 out of 5,903 in the period from 1939 to 1989. The most significant data emerging from the analysis of the 358 cases of uterine inversion concern the placental stage. This was spontaneous in a number of cases equivalent to 28.9%; the number of fundal pressure applied abdominally was up to 30.9%; tractions over funicle up to 22.3%; manual delivery of the placenta up to 17.9%. Eighty-nine percent of cases were diagnosed by simple inspection, whilst for the resting ones an exploration was needed. For most of the cases the treatment was immediate (77%) especially by means of manual reduction vaginally (88%). Hysterectomy was needed for 14 cases that is up to 4.24%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1983

Perinatal heart rate variability and circulatory adaptation in association with normal labor and after elective cesarean section.

Heart rate variability and basal hemodynamic parameters were studied in connection with 20 normal deliveries and after 16 elective cesarean sections. Eight of the cesarean sections were performed with the use of maternal barbiturate anesthesia and eight with the use of epidural blockade. The interval index describing the long-term variability and the differential index describing the short-term variability of the heart rate were measured continuously from 10-minute samples of a direct fetal electrocardiogram and a neonatal electrocardiogram of the infants by a microprocessor-based system. In association with normal labor, significant increases in both indices of variability were observed during the second stage of labor and during the first 2 hours of extrauterine life. After elective cesarean section both indices of neonatal heart rate variability remained significantly lower than those after normal labor. However, a significant increase was observed in the differential index of the infants delivered with the use of epidural blockade. During the neonatal period, simultaneous recordings of basal heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and rectal and heel temperatures were made at 10-minute intervals. The basal neonatal heart rate was significantly higher in both cesarean section subgroups compared with that after normal labor. A significant decrease in basal neonatal heart rate during the second hour of life was observed after normal labor and after cesarean section with the use of epidural blockade. Systolic blood pressures in newborn infants delivered with the use of maternal epidural blockade were equal to those after normal labor, but higher than those after cesarean section with barbiturate anesthesia. Newborn infants after elective cesarean section had significantly lower diastolic blood pressures than infants delivered normally, but there was no difference in the diastolic blood pressures between the two cesarean section subgroups. The infants delivered vaginally had lower heel temperatures than those delivered abdominally. According to the present study, the neonatal circulatory adaptation after elective cesarean section is different from that after normal delivery; however, the neonatal hemodynamics after cesarean section with epidural blockade more closely resemble the situation after normal labor.

Anesthesia, Obstetrical↗
PubMed1983

Oxytocin and the initiation of human parturition. IV. Plasma concentrations of oxytocin and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha during induction of labor by artificial rupture of the membranes.

The influence of artificial rupture of the membranes on plasma levels of 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) and oxytocin was examined in 23 pregnant women at term. Serial blood samples were collected before and 15 minutes, 2 hours, 5 hours, and 8 hours after artificial rupture of the membranes. A significant rise in the concentration of plasma PGFM was observed at 15 minutes in the majority of women (20 of 23), but the magnitude of this early rise or the lack thereof was not related to the subsequent course of labor. The concentration of plasma PGFM at 2 hours was, on the other hand, significantly correlated with the induction-delivery interval. Amniotomy, by itself, induced labor and delivery when the increased PGFM levels were maintained from 2 to 5 hours after the procedure (n = 16). In those cases where Pitocin stimulation was required for adequate uterine contractions, it was found that plasma PGFM levels had declined to initial values at 2 hours. Pitocin infusions then partially reversed this decline. In one patient, the cervix failed to dilate in spite of prolonged Pitocin infusion which did not induce significant uterine contractions, and the infusion did not reverse the marked fall in plasma PGFM after the early but transient rise. Mean plasma oxytocin levels did not rise significantly during labor induced by artificial rupture of the membranes and were, on the average, similar to the levels observed during the first stage of spontaneous or oxytocin-induced labor. Considering the previously demonstrated maximal levels of uterine oxytocin receptors in early labor, the absence of a rise in the plasma oxytocin levels does not negate a role for oxytocin in working synergistically with prostaglandins in the mechanism of labor.

Amnion↗
PubMed1983

Oxytocin and initiation of human parturition. III. Plasma concentrations of oxytocin and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha in spontaneous and oxytocin-induced labor at term.

The plasma concentrations of oxytocin and 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM) were measured in serial samples collected during the first stage of spontaneous and oxytocin-induced labor in 17 and 15 women, respectively. Four women in late pregnancy served as control subjects, with serial samples collected at similar intervals as during labor. During spontaneous labor, mean plasma oxytocin levels were consistently raised over the levels observed 1 to 2 weeks before the onset of labor and were higher than the levels in the control patients (mean, 19.9 +/- 3.1 pg/ml) and the initial levels in the oxytocin-induced group of women (mean, 17.4 +/- 4.8 pg/ml). The mean plasma oxytocin levels during spontaneous labor (45 +/- 3.9 pg/ml) were similar to those observed during infusion of 4 to 6 mU/min of synthetic oxytocin (49.1 +/- 10.9 pg/ml). Plasma oxytocin levels increased progressively with stepwise increments of the infusion. Plasma PGFM levels also rose during labor, but, in contrast to the oxytocin levels which increased in early labor, plasma PGFM levels did not increase significantly until relatively late in labor, provided the membranes were intact. The state of the membranes had a marked influence on plasma PGFM; patients with spontaneous rupture of membranes had significantly increased PGFM levels when admitted early in labor or when membranes ruptured during labor. This increase in prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) production does not by itself suffice to initiate labor, as evidenced by the failure of premature rupture of the membranes to initiate labor in a number of patients with elevated PGFM levels in whom labor was then induced with oxytocin. Conversely, oxytocin induction was successful only when PGFM levels increased during the infusion of oxytocin; in the absence of a rise in plasma PGFM, oxytocin induction failed. These data add support to the view that both oxytocin and PGF2 alpha are required for adequate stimulation of the human uterus during labor. In addition, the data suggest that oxytocin rather than PGF2 alpha may be the major stimulus that initiates labor, whereas PGF2 alpha appears responsible for the progress of labor.

Cervix Uteri↗
PubMed1996

[Repeated addition of fentanyl to bupivacaine peridural analgesia in labor. Clinical action and fentanyl plasma level].

A combination of epidural opioids with local anaesthetics has been used to improve pain relief during labor and to reduce side effects, such as muscle weakness, usually seen when local anaesthetics are used alone. The addition of epidural fentanyl (F) produces highly effective analgesia, the only side effect being mild itching. Initial trials investigated the improvement in analgesia after a single administration of F during first- but not during second-stage labor. Even though pain perception during second-stage labor under epidural analgesia with local anaesthetics can be severe, the addition of opioids was avoided for fear of neonatal or maternal depression. A recent report found maternal and umbilical plasma concentrations following injection of 100 micrograms F to be safe and the investigators speculated that repeated addition of epidural/F to injection of local anaesthetic may prove beneficial for the parturient without exposing the mother or fetus to risk. We therefore studied maternal analgesia, maternal and umbilical plasma levels and associated side effects following repeated addition of 100 micrograms F to bupivacaine epidural analgesia during labor. METHODS. Following institutional and governmental approval 53 parturients were randomly assigned to receive either 8 ml bupivacaine 0.25% + 0.1 mg fentanyl (B + F group; n = 28) or 8 ml bupivacaine 0.25% + 2 ml saline (BUP group; n = 25) in an epidural catheter at L2/3. The same dose was reinjected upon the patients' request regardless of the degree of cervical dilatation. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and the incidence of side effects were recorded before and following each epidural injection. Pain relief was determined at each injection and following cord clamping using the visual analogue pain scale (VAS; 0-100 mm). Maternal venous blood samples were collected to measure plasma F concentrations before and 20 and 40 min after each injection and at birth when umbilical venous and arterial blood was obtained. After centrifugation the samples were maintained at -20 degrees C and then analyzed by radioimmunoassay. At delivery, Apgar scores and umbilical venous and arterial blood gas values were determined. RESULTS. Both groups were comparable for age, weight, height, gestational age and parity. A total of 48 epidural injections were evaluated in the B + F group, 43 in the BUP group. No statistically significant group difference was found between the frequency of injections per delivery (B + F: 2.2; BUP: 1.8); regarding the time between the initial and the first top-up dose (B + F: 144 min; BUP: 140 min) or regarding the interval between the last injection and birth (B + F: 94 min; BUP; 90 min). However, the quality of pain relief during labor and particularly at birth was significantly improved by F (mean VAS in B + F group: 6 mm; mean VAS in BUP group: 42 mm). Mild itching was observed in 43% of patients receiving F, moderate shivering in 13% versus 40% in patients not receiving F. At control mean maternal F plasma levels were not zero but 0.25 ng/ml. After the initial injection and following the first and second top-up dose mean maximum maternal F plasma concentrations were 0.54 ng/ml (+/-0.32; +/-SD), 0.88 ng/ml (+/-0.62) and 1.06 ng/ml (+/-0.4) (range 0.18-2.76 ng/ml), respectively. The increase in maternal F concentrations with increasing injection frequency was statistically significant (P < 0.02). Mean umbilical venous and arterial F concentrations at birth were 0.72 ng/ml (+/-1.16) and 0.62 ng/ml (+/-0.52). No significant group differences were found regarding Apgar scores or umbilical blood gas analyses. In one newborn, radioimmunoassay resulted in unexplainably high umbilical F concentrations without any clinical signs of sedation, depressed vigilance and without any sequellae. DISCUSSION. Repeated addition of 100 micrograms F to epidural anaesthesia with bupivacaine significantly improves analgesia and provides pain relief not only during the fir

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Does epidural analgesia prolong labor and increase risk of cesarean delivery? A natural experiment.

OBJECTIVE: More than 50% of pregnant women in the United States are using epidural analgesia for labor pain. However, whether epidural analgesia prolongs labor and increases the risk of cesarean delivery remains controversial. STUDY DESIGN: We examined this question in a community-based, tertiary military medical center where the rate of continuous epidural analgesia in labor increased from 1% to 84% in a 1-year period while other conditions remained unchanged-a natural experiment. We systematically selected 507 and 581 singleton, nulliparous, term pregnancies with spontaneous onset of labor and vertex presentation from the respective times before and after the times that epidural analgesia was available on request during labor. We compared duration of labor, rate of cesarean delivery, instrumental delivery, and oxytocin use between these two groups. RESULTS: Despite a rapid and dramatic increase in epidural analgesia during labor (from 1% to 84% in 1 year), rates of cesarean delivery overall and for dystocia remained the same (for overall cesarean delivery: adjusted relative risk, 0.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-1.2; for dystocia: adjusted relative risk, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-1.6). Overall instrumental delivery did not increase (adjusted relative risk, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.8-1.4), nor did the duration of the first stage and the active phase of labor (multivariate analysis; P >.1). However, the second stage of labor was significantly longer by about 25 minutes (P <.001). CONCLUSION: Epidural analgesia during labor does not increase the risk of cesarean delivery, nor does it necessarily increase oxytocin use or instrumental delivery caused by dystocia. The duration of the active phase of labor appears unchanged, but the second stage of labor is likely prolonged. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;185:128-34).

Adult↗
PubMed1981

The role of endorphins during parturition.

The concomitant in vivo release of immunoreactive ACTH and beta-endorphin was investigated by measuring the plasma levels of both peptides in the plasma collected during labor and parturition of female human subjects. Maternal and fetal beta-endorphin circulation was investigated by estimating the plasma levels in umbilical vein and artery and comparing them with the maternal plasma content of the peptide. The peptides beta-LPH and epsilon beta-endorphin (which both react with the beta-endorphin antiserum) were separated chromatographically on Sephadex G-50. In the first, and particularly the second stages of labor, levels of both ACTH and beta-endorphin were significantly elevated. The beta-endorphin-like immunoreactivity was also elevated in the umbilical vein and artery, although these values were not as high as in the maternal vein. Neither oxytocin nor the mechanical stress produced by dilatation and curettage played a large role in releasing ACTH and beta-endorphin. The normal pathways of releasing pituitary trophic hormones (disinhibition of inhibitory control of releasing factors in the hypothalamus) must be assumed for the mothers, while fetal production of both beta-endorphin and beta-LPH was demonstrated.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed1982

The use of the vacuum extractor in a Nigerian hospital.

The use of the vacuum extractor over a 5-year period is reviewed. The instrument was used on 319 occasions, with a 2.8% failure rate and a 25 per thousand corrected perinatal mortality. The maternal morbidity attributable to the use of the instrument was low. The main indications for use were to expedite labor either in the first or second stage because of maternal or fetal distress, and in the rotation and subsequent delivery of the malpositioned vertex. It was found to be particularly useful for the platypellic pelvis with an android tendency, a type rather common in Nigerian parturients.

Birth Injuries↗
PubMed1994

[Comparison of the effectiveness of prostaglandin E2 gel in evening and morning induction of labor].

100 women participated in an open randomised study. 50 of them received 0.5 mg PGE2 in 2.5 ml Triacetin gel (Prepidil) intracervically in the morning (6.00 a.m.) and 50 at night (10.00 p.m.). The success rate was 74% (37 of 50) in the treatment group of the night compared with 52 (26 of 50) in the group of morning labor induction. A second dose after 8 hours was necessary in 26% (13 of 50) in the night group and in 48% (24 of 50) of the morning labor induction. Labor induction failed completely in 32% of the morning and in 12% of the night group. The induction time for contractions was 2 hours shorter after night labor induction, in primiparae the duration of first stage was 2 hours shorter but in multiparae there was no difference between the groups. There was also no difference in intrapartum and postpartum complications between the groups. In conclusion the induction of labor with intracervical PGE2 at night seems to be more effective without increasing the rate of complications.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed1988

Changes in urinary 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha excretion during pregnancy and labor.

Urinary excretion of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha was measured by high pressure liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay at various stages of pregnancy and labor. In the first trimester of pregnancy, urinary 6-keto-PGF1 alpha concentrations were not different from those measured before pregnancy, but they showed a significant increase in the second trimester of pregnancy (p less than 0.001). The levels rose further in the third trimester, although this increase was not statistically significant when compared to levels obtained in the second trimester. There was no evidence for a significant change in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha excretion with the onset of labor. During well-established, progressive labor mean values of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha excretion were about twice as high as before the onset of labor, but the range of values during labor was so wide that there was no statistical difference with values obtained in the second half of pregnancy. It is concluded that the increase in the urinary excretion of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha occurs later in pregnancy than the increase in TXB2 excretion and that labor at term is not associated with marked changes in 6-keto-PGF1 alpha excretion.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗
PubMed2001

Labor pain in relation to fetal weight in primiparae.

AIM OF STUDY: To investigate the association between fetal weight and the experience of labor pain in primiparae. METHODS: All primiparae who gave birth at the department of obstetrics, Herning Central Hospital, from 1 September 1998 to 30 April 1999 completed a visual analogue scale (VAS) on the second day after delivery. Pain was scored in the first, the second, and the "repair" stage of labor, respectively, and finally a score was performed for total labor evaluation. RESULTS: 139 primiparae were included. Mean age was 27 years (range 16-40 years), mean fetal weight was 3562g (range 2400-5050g). There was no relationship between fetal weight and pain score. Neither was there any relationship between pain score and maternal age, body mass index (BMI), duration of second stage of labor or the need for instrumental delivery. The score in the stage of perineal repair was significantly lower than in the other stages of labor. CONCLUSION: The experienced pain during labor among primiparae is not influenced by fetal weight.

Adolescent↗