[Preinduction priming of the cervix. Comparison of the intracervical administration of PGE2 gel and vaginal administration of estradiol].

During the period between Jan.1, 1994 and May 31, 1996 at the Second Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics in Brno preinduction was performed in 40 patients by means of PGE2 gel (Prepidil Upjohn) and in 38 patients by means of an estradiol gel (Biotika). The inclusion criteria in the group were: singleton pregnancy, 38 or more weeks of gestation, cephalic presentation, unripe cervix (Bishop score less than 5) and reactive NST. The gel was introduced into the cervical canal and left in situ for 12 hours. If maturation of the cervix occurred, induction was implemented by extraamnial administration of PGE2. In the group of patients preinduced with Prepidil there was a significantly greater increase of Bishop score and the first stage of labour was shorter during subsequent induction of delivery. As to other investigated parameters, the two methods did not differ significantly.