Methods to induce labour: a systematic review, network meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis

Objectives

To compare the clinical effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of labour induction methods.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of randomised trials comparing interventions for third‐trimester labour induction (search date: March 2014). Network meta‐analysis was possible for six of nine prespecified key outcomes: vaginal delivery within 24 hours (VD24), caesarean section, uterine hyperstimulation, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions, instrumental delivery and infant Apgar scores. We developed a decision‐tree model from a UK NHS perspective and calculated incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios, expected costs, utilities and net benefit, and cost‐effectiveness acceptability curves.

Main results

In all, 611 studies comparing 31 active interventions were included. Intravenous oxytocin with amniotomy and vaginal misoprostol (≥50 μg) were most likely to achieve VD24. Titrated low‐dose oral misoprostol achieved the lowest odds of caesarean section, but there was considerable uncertainty in ranking estimates. Vaginal (≥50 μg) and buccal/sublingual misoprostol were most likely to increase uterine hyperstimulation with high uncertainty in ranking estimates. Compared with placebo, extra‐amniotic prostaglandin E₂ reduced NICU admissions. There were insufficient data to conduct analyses for maternal and neonatal mortality and serious morbidity or maternal satisfaction. Conclusions were robust after exclusion of studies at high risk of bias. Due to poor reporting of VD24, the cost‐effectiveness analysis compared a subset of 20 interventions. There was considerable uncertainty in estimates, but buccal/sublingual and titrated (low‐dose) misoprostol showed the highest probability of being most cost‐effective.

Conclusions

Future trials should be designed and powered to detect a method that is more cost‐effective than low‐dose titrated oral misoprostol.

Tweetable abstract

New study ranks methods to induce labour in pregnant women on effectiveness and cost.

New study ranks methods to induce labour in pregnant women on effectiveness and cost.

Age as a prognostic factor in carcinoma of the cervix

The influence of age on prognosis for carcinoma of the cervix was evaluated for a population of 218 patients treated at Loma Linda University between 1972 and 1982. Treatment methods were consistent over this time interval and were tailored according to age and extent of disease. Minimum follow-up is 5 years. The age groups were less than 35, 35-55, 55-75, and greater than or equal to 75. There was a significantly higher percentage of stages IIB and III in the older (greater than 55) age groups. The age groups were subdivided by stage for analysis of local-regional and distant failures. No significant age differences in local-regional or distant failures were found. Actuarial analysis of disease-free survival demonstrated no significant difference by age group. Age could not be verified as a prognostic factor in this study population.