Publication:

Randomised comparison of oral and vaginal misoprostol when combined with mifepristone for termination of second trimester pregnancy

Background Objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of vaginal (200µg) and oral (400µg) misoprostol when combined with mifepristone (200 mg) in termination of second trimester pregnancy.

Methods 60 women who were pregnant between 13 and 20 weeks were included in the study. They were divided into two groups by random sampling method and they all received 200 mg of mifepristone orally on day 1. 36 hours later they received 200 µg of misoprostol vaginally or 400 µg of misoprostol orally every 3 hours as determined by the random sampling method. Main outcome measures were induction abortion interval, complete abortion rate and side effects.

Results There was a statistical difference in the amount of misoprostol required in the oral and the vaginal group, the total dose being higher in the oral group. The mean induction-abortion interval in the vaginal group was 6.2 hrs  and oral group was 11.6 hrs and this difference was statistically significant. There was no statistical difference in the complete abortion rate of the two groups. There was no difference in the side effects caused by both routes of misoprostol administration.

Conclusion 200 µg misoprostol inserted vaginally is better than 400 µg of oral misoprostol, 36 hours after administration of tab. Mifepristone 200 mg for termination of second trimester pregnancy.