A comparison of two regimens of misoprostol for second trimester medical termination of pregnancy: a randomized trial.
The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and side-effects of two regimens of vaginal misoprostol for second trimester voluntary medical termination of pregnancy (MTP) according to the MTP Act of India. A randomized trial was conducted in 185 women from January 2007 to September 2008. Women in group 1 were given vaginal misoprostol 400 microg every 6 h for a maximum of four doses. Women in group 2 were given vaginal misoprostol 400 microg every 12 h for a maximum of four doses. Our primary outcome measure was induction abortion interval. Secondary outcome measures were success rate, side-effects and completeness of procedure. Results were calculated applying Fisher's exact test, chi-square test, Z test and calculating the P value using an alpha level of 0.05 for Type I error. The mean induction abortion interval in group 1 (12.59 h) was significantly shorter (P < 0.001) than that in the group 2 (16.41 h). The percentage of women who achieved successful abortion within 12 h in group 1 (56.52%) was also significantly higher (P = 0.00005) than that in group 2 (25.80%). The incidence of side-effects was comparable and not clinically serious. It is concluded that the regimen of vaginal misoprostol 400 microg every 6 h was more effective than the regimen of misoprostol every 12 h in medical termination of second trimester pregnancy.
Chaudhuri
Snehamay
S
Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, NRS Medical College, Kolkata, 138 AJC Bose Road, Kolkata-700014, West Bengal, India. snehamay_chaudhuri_dr@yahoo.com
Banerjee
Pradip Kumar
PK
Mundle
Malay
M
Mitra
Sankar Nath
SN
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011262:Pregnancy Trimester, Second; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D016595:Misoprostol