• A Durodola, O Kuti, E O Orji, and S O Ogunniyi.
• Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
• Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2005 Aug 1; 90 (2): 107-11.

ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy and safety of arithmetic and geometric increases in oxytocin infusion dosage during induction of labor.MethodsA total of 120 pregnant women requiring induction of labor at term were randomly assigned to receive oxytocin at dosages increasing arithmetically or geometrically. Maternal demographics, labor delivery data, and newborn outcomes were compared. The setting was the maternity unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.ResultsThe mean maximum rates of oxytocin delivery needed to achieve adequate uterine contractions were similar in the 2 groups (24.66+/-8.34 mU/min vs. 26.38+/-8.77 mU/min, P=0.24). Labor duration was significantly shorter in the geometric progression group (496.33+/-54.77 min vs. 421.34+/-63.91 min, P<0.001). There were no differences in the rates of cesarean sections, vaginal deliveries, or uterine hyperstimulation, or in neonatal outcomes.ConclusionA geometric rise in the rate of oxytocin infusion delivery reduced the duration of labor without affecting the rates of cesarean sections and uterine hyperstimulation, or newborn outcomes.

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