PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - SJ Bonner
AU  - K Patel
AU  - L Higgins
AU  - C Mahoney
AU  - C Tower
TI  - Determinants of morbidity in women undergoing induction of labour
AID  - 10.1136/fetalneonatal-2012-301809.284
DP  - 2012 Apr 01
TA  - Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition
PG  - A87--A88
VI  - 97
IP  - Suppl 1
4099  - http://fn.bmj.com/content/97/Suppl_1/A87.3.short
4100  - http://fn.bmj.com/content/97/Suppl_1/A87.3.full
SO  - Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed2012 Apr 01; 97
AB  - Background Induction of labour (IOL) is conducted in 20% of all UK deliveries. IOL is associated with medicalisation of a natural life event potentially resulting in medical intervention, therefore it is important to ensure that these risks outweigh the benefits of waiting for spontaneous labour. This study aimed to quantify these risks in specific groups. Methods A retrospective audit in a large tertiary centre was undertaken to establish complication rates in women undergoing IOL. Results A total of 552 women undergoing IOL were studied, of whom 35 (7%) had undergone previous LSCS. Previous LSCS was associated with a reduced vaginal delivery rate of 60.5% compared with 79% and an increased estimated blood loss of 450mls (interquartile range 300-600mls) compared to 350mls (IQR 200-500mls, p<0.05 Mann-Whitney). Primigravidas overall were less likely to achieve a normal vaginal delivery (NVD) (71% vs 83%, p<0.002, Fishers). IOL for postmaturity was associated with an increased incidence of post partum haemorrhage compared to other indications (42% vs 18%, p<0.01), and these women were more likely to undergo fetal blood sampling (21% vs 11%, p=0.07). The vaginal delivery rate for primigravidas induced for postmaturity was 73%, compared with 91% for multigravidas (p<0.05). Conclusions Although induction of labour in association with a previous LSCS is associated with increased risks, the majority achieved a vaginal delivery. In particular, this study has suggested that primparous women induced for post maturity and women with a previous LSCS demonstrate the highest complication rates for lower vaginal delivery rates.