Profiling cervical ripening for induction of labour with Foley’s balloon catheter in Ebonyi state, Nigeria: a randomized controlled trial

Background: The ripeness of the cervix is an important prerequisite to a successful labour induction. Use of extra-amniotic Foley catheter is a mechanical method of cervical ripening with proven efficacy. This study compared the difference in efficacy between 30 ml and 60 ml of water for inflation of Foley catheter balloon when used for cervical ripening during induction of labour.Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled study where 260 term pregnant women with intact membranes and unfavourable cervix were selected for induction of labour and randomized into two equal groups (30 ml- and 60 ml- groups) from October, 2019 to July 2020. Each participant had cervical ripening with the catheter bulb inflated with either 30 ml or 60 ml of sterile water (as assigned to the individual). After achieving favourable cervix (BS ≥6), oxytocin titration was commenced and the labour monitored with the outcomes well documented and statistically analysed.Results: Mean duration to favourable Bishop Score significantly reduced in the 60 ml group (10.8 hours±2.99) as against 12.7 hours±10.0 in 30ml group (p=0.038). Mean duration of active phase of labour was significantly reduced in 60 ml group (5.6 hours±2.4) as against 8.4 hours±3.2 in 30 ml group (p=0.010). Caesarean delivery rate was significantly reduced in the 60 ml groups (p=0.027).Conclusions: The use of 60 ml inflated Foley’s balloon catheter when compared with 30mls to ripen the cervix effectively reduced the duration to favourable Bishop Score, duration of the active phase of labour and the rate of Caesarean sections.

Preoperative versus postoperative misoprostol use for prevention of blood loss during caesarean section in pregnant women at term: a multi-centre randomised controlled trial

Objective Caesarean section is associated with higher blood loss than vaginal delivery. This study was performed to compare the safety and efficacy of preoperative versus postoperative rectal and sublingual misoprostol use for prevention of blood loss in women undergoing elective caesarean delivery. Methods Eligible patients in Southeast Nigeria were randomly classified into those that received 600 µg of preoperative rectal, postoperative rectal, preoperative sublingual, and postoperative sublingual misoprostol. All patients received 10 units of intravenous oxytocin immediately after delivery. Data were analysed with SPSS Version 23. Results Preoperative sublingual misoprostol use caused the highest postoperative packed cell volume, least change in the packed cell volume, and lowest intraoperative blood loss. Preoperative sublingual and rectal misoprostol use was associated with better haematological indices and maternal outcomes than postoperative use by these routes. However, preoperative sublingual and rectal use caused more maternal side effects than postoperative use by these routes. Conclusion Preoperative sublingual misoprostol was associated with the most favourable haematological indices. Although preoperative sublingual and rectal misoprostol use caused more maternal side effects, these routes were associated with better haematological indices and maternal outcomes than postoperative sublingual and rectal misoprostol use