Objective: To evaluate the effects of mifepristone for induction of term labor on blood supply of placenta.
Methods: 97 pregnant women (38-42 gestational weeks) were recruited, and randomly allocated into 2 groups, group 1 (n = 49) mifepristone was given orally 50 mg q12h for 2 days followed by misoprostol intravaginally (25 micrograms q12h); group 2 (n = 48), Sodium prasterone sulfate intravenous injection of 200 mg qd for 3 days followed by oxytocin intravenous infusion. Fetal umbilical artery flow velocity was determined before and 36-48 hours after treatment to observe the variation of S/D value in both groups.
Results: There were no significant variations of S/D value in both groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Mifipristone for induction of term labor (50 mg q12h for 2 days) is effective, and has no significant influence on the blood supply of placenta.