British journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
-
Br J Obstet Gynaecol · Sep 1997
Perineal examination as a predictor of underlying external anal sphincter damage.
To assess the relation between perineal inspection and sphincter integrity in parous women. ⋯ A normal perineum on clinical examination does not exclude underlying sphincter damage. The incidence of sphincter damage increases significantly when an episiotomy scar is associated with a perineal tear.
-
Br J Obstet Gynaecol · Sep 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialRandomised trial of one versus two doses of prostaglandin E2 for induction of labour: 1. Clinical outcome.
To compare the outcome of induction of labour using a single versus two doses of prostaglandin E2 vaginal gel. ⋯ There was little clinical benefit from inducing labour with two doses of prostaglandin E2 at a six-hour interval, compared with a single dose. There may be financial advantages with a two-dose regimen.
-
Br J Obstet Gynaecol · Sep 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialRandomised trial of one versus two doses of prostaglandin E2 for induction of labour: 2. Analysis of cost.
To compare the impact upon maternity unit resources and finances of two protocols for induction of labour using prostaglandins. ⋯ The increased drug costs providing two prostaglandin E2 doses when required were off-set by reductions in the costs of other intrapartum interventions for both nulliparae and multiparae. The advantages of less time spent on the antenatal ward for multiparae when two prostaglandin E2 doses were used may be eliminated if amniotomy and oxytocin infusion was commenced six hours after the initial prostaglandin dose had been given if labour had not started.