30-minute versus 60-minute oxytocin incremental interval protocols for induction of labour in low parity women: a comparative study

Objective: This study compared the efficacy and safety of 30-minute and 60-minute incremental protocols of oxytocin infusion for the induction of labour in women of low parity. Methods: A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was carried out in two health facilities in Ogun State, Nigeria, between January 2021 and November 2022. Women admitted for induction of labour at term (n=260) were grouped and compared based on the oxytocin interval protocol used. The primary outcome of the study was successful vaginal delivery rate. Secondary outcomes included induction to onset of adequate uterine contraction interval, induction to delivery interval, uterine hyperstimulation, foetal distress and Apgar scores. Data was analysed using SPSS version 26. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Successful vaginal delivery rates were 93.8% and 96.9% for the 30-minute and 60-minute oxytocin induction protocols, respectively. The mean induction–onset of adequate uterine contraction interval was significantly lower in the 30-minute group when compared to the 60-minute group (P<0.001). Uterine hyperstimulation was significantly higher among women in the 30-minute group (16; 12.3%) when compared to those in the 60-minute group (2; 1.5%) (P<0.001). The occurrence of foetal distress and Apgar scores were comparable in the two groups. Conclusion: Both 30-minute and 60-minute oxytocin incremental interval protocols for induction of labour are associated with high success rates and a good safety profile.