A Comparison of Synthetic Osmotic Dilators and Pharmacologic Agents for Cervical Ripening in Induction of Labor: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Given the rising number of studies on synthetic osmotic dilators, there is a lack of comprehensive reviews for their use compared with other commonly used cervical ripening methods. This study aimed to examine the maternal and neonatal safety and efficacy in cervical ripening and labor induction using synthetic osmotic dilators compared with pharmacologic agents (prostaglandin E₁, prostaglandin E₂, oxytocin) for labor induction.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies was conducted, using MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases search. Two reviewers independently screened studies and assessed the risk of bias with Risk of Bias 2 and Risk Of Bias In Nonrandomized

SUBMITTER: Ryu GW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12914624 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature