A Randomized Clinical Trial of 200 Patients of Oral Vs Vaginal Misoprostol in Second Trimester Pregnancy Termination

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objective: To assess the safety, effectiveness and the factors that affect the outcome of Misoprostol both oral & vaginal route for second trimester pregnancy termination.

Study Design: Randomized study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the department of Gynae & Obst Unit IV Bolan Medical College Complex Hospital Quetta between July 2009 to December 2011.

Materials and Methods: The patients were randomized to receive either oral or vaginal Misoprostol (400ug) every 4 hours for maximum 5 doses. The course of Misoprostol was repeated where women did not abort within 24 hours.

Results: The study includes 200 cases in each group of oral and vaginal route of Misoprostol administration. There was no significant difference in mean maternal age, number of pregnancies, parity and duration of pregnancy or history of first trimester between both groups. There was no significant difference in the success rate at 48 hours (oral 65%, vaginal (70%). However, the success rate at 24 hours at vaginal group (70%) corresponds with oral group (50%).

Conclusion: Misoprostol is a safe and effective regimen for second trimester medical miscarriages. Vaginal route resulted in higher success rate then the oral route at 24 hours, however the miscarriage rate was similar at 48 hours.