The Use of D5LR Versus LR for Induction of Labor and Time to Delivery in Multiparous and Primiparous Patient's With Favorable and Unfavorable Bishop's Scores

Induction of labor is increasingly common in the United States, as the overall rate has increased from 9.5% in 1990 to 22.1% in 2006 with the goal to stimulate contractions prior to the onset of spontaneous labor. Cesarean delivery rates are also at an all-time high in the U.S., with more than 32% of patients being delivered by Cesarean in 2009. One of the most common indications for Cesarean section is a prolonged labor course. Patient's with a prolonged labor course are also at risk for infections, including chorioamnionitis and endometritis, as well as an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage. There is a lack of information on ways to help shorten labor to potentially minimize these risks.

The uterus is comprised of skeletal muscle, and labor has been likened to prolonged rigorous exercise. While oral hydration has been endorsed by ACOG for low-risk women in spontaneous labor, solid foods should be avoided. In turn, women with a prolonged induction or labor may benefit from glucose supplementation via IV fluids.

The DEXTRONS study, J. Pare et al., looked at supplementation of D5LR versus normal saline in nulliparous patients who presented for a favorable induction of labor. This study showed a significant reduction in active labor time in the D5LR group versus the normal saline group.

Currently, at Genesys Regional Medical Center, lactated ringers is the preferred IV fluid for patients presenting for induction of labor. This study will randomly assign patients to D5LR versus lactated ringers and examine the length of time from induction to delivery to determine if glucose supplementation has an effect on reducing length of induction in both nulliparous and multiparous patients for either a favorable induction of labor or an induction for post-dates. Secondary outcomes will include Apgar scores, need for special care nursery/NICU admissions, and mode of delivery. The study will begin in January 2019 and continue through July 2019. Patients who presented to labor and delivery and consent to be included in the study will be randomized to each group.