Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

    Background and Aim: One of the proposed ways for enhancement of labor induction is administration of corticosteroids. Although animal studies have shown the importance of cortisole in the initiation of labor, the role of corticosteroids in enhancement of labor process is still uncertain

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of intramuscular dexamethasone on labor duration and its complications.

Patients and Methods: We conducted this randomized clinical trial on 122 nulliparous women with favorable bishope score who were candidates for labor induction. Study group(n=61)received 8 mg intramuscular dexamethasone phosphate 6 hours before induction Induction of labor( without dexamethasone) started after 6 hours for controls (n=61). Following distile water injection. Expected result was initiation of the active phase of labor and duration of labor, that were compared in both groups. Data collection was accomplished by specific forms and data analysis was done by SPSS-15 software. t-test and Chi-square test were used for annalysis.

Results:�Patients in both groups did not show significant statistical differences in regard to age, Bishop Score and time of delivery. Mean of time duration between induction and the beginning of active phase of labor was significantly shorter in the case group than the controls (3.09±1.5 hrs. versus 4.21±1.8 hrs) (P<0.001). Mean duration of active phase in the case group (2.46±1.38 hrs) did not show significant difference with that of controls (3.87±5.73hr) (P>0.05). Duration of the second phase of labor was significantly shorter in the cases than that of control group (22.23±16.09 min. versus 29.01±15.32 min) (P=0.014). Duration of the third phase did not differ significantly in the two groups.

Also neonatol Apgar score of 1and 5 min. along with maternal and fetal complications including chorio- amnionitis and fetal sepsis, did not show significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusion: Dexamethasone can reduce the time interval between induction and active phase and duration of phase 2.