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.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand. chchaina@yahoo.com
C
C
Choksuchat
S
S
Cheewadhanaraks
C
C
Getpook
V
V
Wootipoom
K
K
Dhanavoravibul
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