Intravenous Prostaglandin F2alpha for the Induction of Labor at a Japanese Perinatal Center

BACKGROUND: To examine the effect and risks of using intravenous prostaglandin F2alpha, we retrospectively reviewed our cases using intravenous prostaglandin F2alpha for labor induction. METHODS: We reviewed the obstetric records of all nulliparous singleton deliveries at ≥ 22 weeks of gestation from 2004 to 2008 (n = 6,596). RESULTS: We used intravenous prostaglandin F2alpha to induce labor in 158 nulliparous pregnant women (2.4%) at 39.2 ± 1.4 weeks of gestation under the protocol based on the Japanese clinical practice guidelines. Of these, 64 cases (40.5%) resulted in vaginal delivery, and 44 (27.8%) underwent cesarean delivery during the procedure of intravenous administration of prostaglandin F2alpha. Only one case (0.6%) developed uterine hyperstimulation requiring prompt delivery under the use of prostaglandin F2alpha. There were no cases of serious complications such as fetal death, uterine rupture, or other maternal complications. CONCLUSION: Intravenous prostaglandin F2alpha used under the strict protocols seems to be one of the methods that can safely induce labor.