Intra-vaginal prostaglandin E2 versus double-balloon catheter for labor induction in term oligohydramnios

OBJECTIVE: Compare mechanical and pharmacological ripening for patients with oligohydramnios at term. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-two patients with oligohydramnios ≤ 5 cm and Bishop score ≤ 6 were randomized for labor induction with a vaginal insert containing 10 mg timed-release dinoprostone (PGE2) or double-balloon catheter. The primary outcome was time from induction to active labor. Time to labor, neonatal outcomes and maternal satisfaction were also compared. RESULT: Baseline characteristics were similar. Time from induction to active labor (13 with PGE2 vs 19.5 h with double-balloon catheter; P = 0.243) was comparable, with no differences in cesarean rates (15.4 vs 7.7%; P = 0.668) or neonatal outcomes. The PGE2 group had higher incidence of early device removal (76.9 vs 26.9%; P = 0.0001), mostly because of active labor or non-reassuring fetal heart rate. Fewer PGE2 patients required oxytocin augmentation for labor induction (53.8 vs 84.6% P = 0.034). Time to delivery was significantly shorter with PGE2 (16 vs 20.5 h; P = 0. 045) CONCLUSION: Intravaginal PGE2 and double-balloon catheter are comparable methods for cervical ripening in term pregnancies with oligohydramnios.