The efficacy of dexamethasone on the duration of latent phase during induction of labour: Randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Induction of labor is one of the most common interventions practiced in modern obstetrics. In the developed World, the ability to induce labor has contributed to the reduction in maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Aim of the Work: To establish whether the efficacy of dexamethasone on accelerating the duration of latent phase during induction of labour. Patients and Methods: After taking approval of ethical committee in Ain Shams Maternity Hospital, and a verbal consent was obtained from each candidate after explanation of the procedure in details, this randomized controlled trial was conducted on 120 pregnant women whom are admitted for labor induction at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. The participants were randomly assigned by computer list into Group I (Dexamethasone group) N=60 and Group II (Control group) N=60. Group І: in which participants received a prefilled syringe with two milliliters (8mg) of dexamethasone intra-muscular (two doses; with interval 12 hours), and the participants of Group II: in which all participants didn't receive dexamethasone or any other cervical ripening agent. Results: The mean values for induction-to-active phase and total duration of labor were significantly lower among women of group I when compared to women of group II [MD (95% CI) -0.68 hours (-0.98 to -0.37), p<0.001 and -0.79 hours (-1.18 to -0.41), p<0.001]. Conclusion: Double dose of intra-muscular injection of two ml. (8mg.) of dexamethasone with intervals of 12 hours between the two doses before induction of labour appears to shorten labor duration.