Oral Mifepristone Vs. Intracervical Foley’s Catheterization for Induction of Labor

A recent study compared the efficacy of oral Mifepristone with that of intracervical Foley catheterization for induction of labor in term pregnancy. It also compared the two methods in terms of route of delivery, indications of cesarean section, and neonatal outcomes.

The study included 180 term pregnant patients based on pre-established criteria and randomized them into groups A and B. Group A patients received Tablet Mifepristone 200 mg PO followed by per vaginum Tablet Misoprostol, and Group B patients underwent intracervical Foleys catheterization followed by placement of per vaginum Tablet Misoprostol.

The study found-

• Significantly decreased induction-delivery interval in women induced with intracervical Foleys catheterization (Group B) than those given oral Tablet Mifepristone (Group A). 
• No significant difference between the two groups regarding the route of delivery, rate of C Sections, and neonatal outcomes.

This study proves Mifepristone to be effective in inducing indicated term pregnancies despite no decrease in induction delivery interval. Furthermore, it has a comparable incidence of fetal distress to intracervical Foley catheterization. Further research must assess tachysystole/hyperstimulation and fetal distress caused by Mifepristone.

Amin JV, Gokhale AV, Shah VH, Rajani AJ. Comparison of oral Mifepristone with intracervical foleys catheterisation for induction of labour in term pregnancy: A randomized control trial. Indian J Obstet Gynecol Res 2023;10(3):242-246