Rate of increase in oxytocin dose on the outcome of labor induction

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of arithmetic and geometric increases in oxytocin infusion dosage during induction of tabor. Methods: A total of 120 pregnant women requiring induction of tabor at term were randomly assigned to receive oxytocin at dosages increasing arithmetically or geometrically. Maternal demographics, tabor delivery data, and newborn outcomes were compared. The setting was the maternity unit of the Obafemi Awotowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Results: The mean maximum rates of oxytocin delivery needed to achieve adequate uterine contractions were similar in the 2 groups (24.66 +/- 8.34 mU/min vs. 26.38 +/- 8.77 mU/min, P=0.24). Labor duration was significantly shorter in the geometric progression group (496.33 +/- 54.77 min vs. 421.34 +/- 63.91 min, P < 0.001). There were no differences in the rates of cesarean sections, vaginal deliveries, or uterine hyperstimulation, or in neonatal outcomes. Conclusion: A geometric rise in the rate of oxytocin infusion delivery reduced the duration of tabor without affecting the rates of cesarean sections and uterine hyperstimulation, or newborn outcomes. (c) 2005 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.