Pharmacological induction and Augmentation of labor
Several drugs are currently used to assist in the therapeutic induction and augmentation of labor. Therapeutic induction implies that labor is initiated by the use of a drug. Augmentation indicates that labor has stared and that process is further stimulated by a therapeutic agent.
Oxytocin, the natural hormone produced for the posterior pituitary, is widely used to induce and augment labor .Several synthetic forms of oxytocin can be used by intravenous routes. Recently prostaglandins (F2α and E2) have also been used to induce and augment labor and cervical ripening .prostaglandins promote dilatation and effacement of the cervix and can be used for various reasons intravaginally, intravenously, or intra-aminiotiacally. An other therapeutic agent being tested for efficacy in labor induction and augmentation is mifepristone (RU-4860, a progesterone receptor blocker (used as abortive drugs in first trimester) .It is used to induce labor and to increase the sensitivity of the uterus to oxytocin and prostaglandins. An additional and interesting feature of these drugs is that they reduce postpartum hemorrhage by causing muscle contractions.
References:
- Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th edition.
- Davidson’s Principles and Practice of Medicine, 20th Edition
- Medical physiology, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 3rd edition
No related posts.
Filed Under: Female Health
