Effectiveness of 400 or 600 micrograms of vaginal misoprostol for terminations of early pregnancies.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness and side effects of transvaginal application of 400 or 600 ug of misoprostol for termination of pregnancy.


METHODS
A prospective randomized single-blinded trial.


METHODS
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital.


METHODS
One-hundred-and-twenty-five pregnant women with less than 20 weeks gestational, at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital from June 1, 2003 to May 31, 2004 were recruited. The termination of pregnancy had been suggested by the obstetrician and the decision was made by the patient and her husband. The samples were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 had 65 patients and 400 ug of misoprostol was applied three times in a 6 hour interval. Group 2 had 60 patients and 600 ug of misoprostol was applied in the same manner. Both groups were observed and evaluated within 24 hours.


METHODS
Rate of complete abortion and side effects of both 400 and 600 microg misoprostol within 24 hours.


RESULTS
No statistical significant difference was found in the general characteristics of both sample groups. Group 1 had an abortion rate of 38.3% while group 2 had an abortion rate of 56.92%. This was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The time interval after insertion to complete abortion was 9.15 +/- 6.09 hours in group 1 and 8.85 +/- 4.68 hours in group 2. Side effects, such as fever, lower abdominal pain, massive vaginal bleeding and diarrhea showed no statistical difference (p > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Transvaginal application of 600 ug misoprostol (3 times every 6 hours) caused a higher rate of complete abortion compared with an application of 400 ug misoprostol. The side effect of both groups showed no statistical difference.
Ruangchainikhom
Wibool
W
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.
Phongphissanou
Ekkarach
E
Bhekasuta
Jamikorn
J
Sarapak
Sravooth
S
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D016595:Misoprostol