Abstract

Introduction: Cervical ripening for labor induction is one of the obstetrical problems. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy profile of isosorbide mononitrate with low dose syntocinon for cervical ripening at labor. Methods: The study population was nulliparous women referred to Shahid Sadoughi Hospital of Yazd in 2008-2009. 100 primigravid women were randomly assigned to two groups that received either vaginal isosorbide mononitrate tablets 40 mg (n= 50) or low-dose syntocinon (n= 50) with simplification method. Effectiveness of each agent was the cervical ripening effect and the time from initiation of the treatment to delivery that were compared between two groups. Efficacy and safety outcomes were compared in two groups. Data were analyzed by t-test and Fisher's exact test with SPSS software version 15. Results: The results showed that there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding mean of age and gestational age (with sonography and Last Menstrual Period). Mean of cervical ripening time was 36.13±4.057 hours in isosorbide mononitrate group and 36.28±3.886 hours in low-dose syntocinon group (P=0.876). There was no significant difference in mode of delivery (cesarean or vaginal) between two groups. The most common side effect in isosorbide mononitrate group was light headache (70) and in low-dose syntosinon group it was tachysystole/hypertone (4). One and five minute's neonatal apgar were similar in two groups. Conclusion: Use of vaginal isosorbide mononitrate was as effective as low dose syntocinon in cervical ripening can be used as an effective, simple, low cost and safety method in cervical ripening.