[Clinical evaluation of propess for induction of term pregnancy].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the efficacy and safety of continuously released prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) suppository-propess used for induction of term pregnancy.

METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, case control clinical study was carried out, propess was used in 100 cases as study group, the suppository without PGE(2) was used in 49 cases as control group. The cervical maturity (by Bishop scoring), the time to labor starting, membrane rupture and delivery, the application of oxytocin, ceserean section rate, fetal and neonatal condition were compared between 2 groups after inserting of the suppository. At the same time, side effects caused by propess were investigated.

RESULTS: Bishop score was increased >or= 2 points in 93% cases, >or= 3 points in 87% cases in study group, whereas only 4% cases whose Bishop score increased >or= 2 points in control group. The time to labor starting, membrane rupture, and delivery was shortened obviously in study group than that in control group after inserting suppository. The application of oxytocin was much less in study group, cesarean section rate was reduced in study group (32% vs 61%). There was no significant difference between 2 groups in fetal and neonatal conditions. The overstimulation of uterine contraction and mild gastrointestinal tract reaction occurred in 3 cases and 2 cases respectively in study groups.

CONCLUSION: Propess can be used for induction of term pregnancy effectively and safely.