Extra‐amniotic balloon with PGE2 versus extra‐ovular Foley catheter with PGF2α in mid‐trimester pregnancy termination

• Published in: International journal of gynecology and obstetrics 1998-10, Vol.63 (1), p.51-54
• Main Authors: Liu, H.S, Chang, Y.K, Chu, T.Y, Yu, M.H, Chen, W.H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Extra‐amniotic balloon; Extra‐ovular Foley catheter; Genital system. Reproduction; Medical sciences; Mid‐trimester; Pharmacology. Drug treatments
• ISSN: 0020-7292; 1879-3479
• DOI: 10.1016/S0020-7292(98)00114-3

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and side effects of two methods of mid‐trimester labor induction, extra‐amniotic balloon with intracervical prostaglandin (PG) E2 (0.5 mg×2) vs. extra‐ovular Foley catheter with intrauterine PGF2α (1 mg/h ×6). Methods: A cohort of 32 and 36 cases indicated for mid‐trimester termination was enrolled and managed with extra‐amniotic balloon and extra‐ovular Foley catheter methods, respectively. Outcomes of induction‐to‐delivery interval, induction failure, and occurrence of side effects were assessed. Results: There were no statistical differences in maternal age, parity, gestational age or fetal birth weight between the two groups. Compared with the extra‐ovular Foley catheter with PGF2α group, the induction‐to‐delivery interval was significantly shorter in the extra‐amniotic balloon plus PGE2 group. There was no significant difference in side effects and major complications developed in either groups. Conclusions: The extra‐amniotic balloon with intracervical PGE2 is more efficient in reducing the induction‐to‐delivery interval for termination of mid‐trimester pregnancies than the extra‐ovular Foley catheter with intrauterine PGF2α.