Randomized comparison of two oxytocin regimes used in induction of labour.

Abstract

A single blind randomised clinical trial carried out at the University Obstetrics Unit, North Colombo Teaching Hospital, Ragama from 4th of July 2005 to 25th of April 2006. Consecutive primigravid women who were admitted for induction of labour. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. In group one, infusion of oxytocin was administered throughout labour at a rate sufficient to maintain adequate uterine contractions. In group two, infusion of oxytocin was incremental but was discontinued when cervical dilatation reached five centimeters. Comparison between the two groups was made. Outcome variables included duration of labour, abnormalities in fetal heart rate, episodes of uterine hyper stimulation, mode of delivery and adverse maternal and neonatal outcome. A total of 93 patients participated innthis study. The duration of labour was not found to be signinficantly different in the two groups. No siginificant differences were found when other outcome parameters were compared. As there was no satistically significant difference observed between the two groups with regard to duration of labour and other maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes, Thus, we concluded that there is no added advantage in continuint oxytocin infusion after the onset of active labour