Early termination of pregnancy by single-dose 800 microg misoprostol compared with surgical evacuation.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of early termination of pregnancy by vaginal administration of a single dose of misoprostol.


METHODS
Healthy women seeking abortion in an institutional research environment in a tertiary-care hospital.


METHODS
Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.


METHODS
One hundred forty women seeking termination of pregnancy up to 49 days' gestational age were alternatively assigned to undergo medical or suction termination.


METHODS
Saline-soaked prostaglandin E(1) analogue, misoprostol (800 microg), was administered vaginally in group I, and group II underwent suction evacuation. Transvaginal sonography was performed on two subsequent visits to assess outcome.


METHODS
Efficacy, side effects, complications, and acceptability were assessed in both groups.


RESULTS
Complete abortion rate between the misoprostol and the surgical group was 94.2% versus 95.5%, respectively. Side effects were fewer in the misoprostol group and it had a higher acceptability rate.


CONCLUSIONS
Single dose of vaginal misoprostol alone has a success rate comparable with surgical method for termination of early pregnancy. Side effects were fewer in women who received misoprostol, and the method was well accepted.
Prasad
Sudha
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India. drsprasad@yahoo.com
Kumar
Ashok
A
Divya
Aabha
A
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000027:Abortion, Incomplete / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013513:Obstetric Surgical Procedures; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D016595:Misoprostol