Effects of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate suppository combined with membrane stripping on labor induction

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the effectiveness of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHA-S) suppository combined with membrane stripping at term to promote the onset of labor. Fifty-six gravidas at 39 weeks of gestation were assigned to one of four groups: group A, no DHA-S suppository and membrane stripping (n=4); group B, DHA-S suppository and no membrane stripping (n=18); group C, DHA-S suppository combined with membrane stripping performed at the same time (n=16); group D, DHA-S suppository combined with membrane stripping performed 3-4 days later (n=18). These procedures were repeated every 3-4 days until the onset of labor. The mean gestational age, parity, fetal weight, and Apgar score were similar in all study groups. The mean interval (days between the suppository placement and the onset of labor) in groups B, C, and D was 6.2±3.6, 4.5±2.8, 7.3±2.2, respectively. No statistically significant differences were seen among these 3 groups. The mean interval (days between the membrane stripping and the onset of labor) in groups A, C, and D was 6.5±3.2, 4.5±2.8, 1.5±1.3, respectively. The women in group D had a shorter mean interval than those in group A (P<0.01) or in group C (P<0.01). We concluded that the combination of DHA-S suppository and membrane stripping performed 3-4 days later is safe and effective in promoting the onset of labor at term. [Adv. Obstet. Gynecol., 52 (5): 691-695, 2000(H.12.9)]