Question: Can we start syntocinon without doing artificial rupture of membranes (ARM) in cases where ARM is not feasible?
Please note: the search for this response was carried out over 1 year ago. Eligible users may request an update of the evidence by submitting a new Clinical Query here.
Answer: A Cochrane review of Intravenous oxytocin alone for cervical ripening and induction of labour(1) found that there is insufficient information at present to draw conclusions regarding the efficacy and safety of oxytocin alone with intact membranes for induction of labour.
Reference:
- Alfirevic Z, Kelly AJ, Dowswell T. Intravenous oxytocin alone for cervical ripening and induction of labour. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD003246. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003246.pub2 Abstract and full text in selected countries. Full text available for Fellows, Members and Trainees through OVID
Search date: June 2010
Classification of evidence levels
Ia Evidence obtained from meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.
Ib Evidence obtained from at least one randomised controlled trial.
IIa Evidence obtained from at least one well-designed controlled study without randomisation.
IIb Evidence obtained from at least one other type of well-designed quasi-experimental study.
III Evidence obtained from well-designed non-experimental descriptive studies, such as comparative studies, correlation studies and case studies.
IV Evidence obtained from expert committee reports or opinions and/or clinical experience of respected authorities.
This clinical query answer was produced following the clinical query protocol as described here.
The RCOG will not be liable for any special or consequential damages arising from the use or reliance on information contained within the Query Bank.
