Induction of Labor — Comparison of Two Mechanical Methods of Outpatient Ripening of the Cervix
Citation(s)
Gilson GJ, Russell DJ, Izquierdo LA, Qualls CR, Curet LB A prospective randomized evaluation of a hygroscopic cervical dilator, Dilapan, in the preinduction ripening of patients undergoing induction of labor. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1996 Jul;175(1):145-9. doi: 10.1016/s0002-9378(96)70264-8.
Shindo R, Aoki S, Yonemoto N, Yamamoto Y, Kasai J, Kasai M, Miyagi E Hygroscopic dilators vs balloon catheter ripening of the cervix for induction of labor in nulliparous women at term: Retrospective study. PLoS One. 2017 Dec 22;12(12):e0189665. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0189665. eCollection 2017.
Comparison of Two Mechanical Methods of Outpatient Ripening of the Cervix
Interventional studies are often prospective and are specifically tailored to evaluate direct impacts of treatment or preventive measures on disease.
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Clinical trials are conducted in a series of steps, called phases - each phase is designed to answer a separate research question.
Phase 1: Researchers test a new drug or treatment in a small group of people for the first time to evaluate its safety, determine a safe dosage range, and identify side effects.
Phase 2: The drug or treatment is given to a larger group of people to see if it is effective and to further evaluate its safety.
Phase 3: The drug or treatment is given to large groups of people to confirm its effectiveness, monitor side effects, compare it to commonly used treatments, and collect information that will allow the drug or treatment to be used safely.
Phase 4: Studies are done after the drug or treatment has been marketed to gather information on the drug's effect in various populations and any side effects associated with long-term use.
