Misoprostol for cervical ripening in non-pregnant women: a randomized double-blind controlled trial of oral versus vaginal regimens.
BACKGROUND
The objective was to compare the efficacy of oral versus vaginal misoprostol for cervical ripening in non-pregnant women.


METHODS
Sixty non-pregnant women scheduled for diagnostic hysteroscopy were randomized by computerized randomization schedule to 400 microg of misoprostol orally (n = 30) or 200 microg vaginally (n = 30) administered 12 h prior to surgery. The diameter of the cervical canal measured with a Hegar dilator, adverse events and any complications were recorded and compared between the two groups.


RESULTS
The mean pre- and post-medication cervical canal diameter and cervical diameter difference were 2.00 +/- 1.93 versus 2.37 +/- 1.83 mm (P = 0.453), 5.10 +/- 1.75 versus 5.60 +/- 1.69 mm (P = 0.265) and 3.10 +/- 1.79 versus 3.23 +/- 1.74 mm (P = 0.771) in the oral and vaginal group, respectively. Seven patients in the oral group and one patient in the vaginal group experienced diarrhoea within 24 h of administration of the misoprostol.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral misoprostol 400 microg had similar efficacy in cervical ripening to 200 microg of vaginal misoprostol.
Choksuchat
C
C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand. chchaina@yahoo.com
Cheewadhanaraks
S
S
Getpook
C
C
Wootipoom
V
V
Dhanavoravibul
K
K
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D020070:Cervical Ripening / Q000187:drug effects*; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy
D016595:Misoprostol