Mifepristone as an Adjunct for Cervical Ripening and Induction of Labor at Term: A Case Series

Abstract

Background: Mifepristone, a progesterone receptor antagonist, has been explored as a non‑prostaglandin agent for cervical ripening and induction of labor. We report a retrospective case series evaluating its effectiveness at term.
Methods: Fifty women at 39–40 weeks gestation received a single 200 mg oral dose of mifepristone. Bishop score was reassessed at 24 h. If <6, prostaglandin E2 gel (dinoprostone) was administered; if ≥6, amniotomy and oxytocin augmentation were undertaken. Primary outcomes were change in Bishop score and mode of delivery.
Results: Mean Bishop score improved from 2.68 ± 0.82 to 6.60 ± 1.50 (p < 0.0001). Forty (80 %) delivered vaginally; ten (20 %) underwent caesarean section. No serious maternal or neonatal adverse events occurred. Conclusions: A single 200 mg dose of mifepristone achieved significant cervical ripening in most term pregnancies, facilitating a high vaginal‑delivery rate. Larger controlled trials are warranted.