Publication:

Comparative study of efficiency of vaginal versus oral misoprostol along with mifepristone for first trimester medical termination of pregnancy

Background Authors estimate that 15.6 million abortions (14.1 million-17.3 million) occurred in India in 2015. Incomplete abortion is a known disadvantage of medical method of abortion reported in 0.2-3% of cases. Though Misoprostol can be used with different routes including oral, sublingual and vaginal, few evidences are available in drug effectiveness as well as its related side effects when used through different routes and more so in India. The present study is aimed to compare the efficacy of misoprostal in first trimester abortion when taken vaginally as compared to orally. Thus, whichever route results in lower rates of incomplete abortions, can be employed in our health set up, minimizing the complications of failed first trimester MTP.

Methods An experimental study was conducted on 74 women seeking termination of pregnancy within 9 weeks of amenorrhea during the period of 9 months in a tertiary care institute. Tablet mifepristone 200 mg was given to all participants. After 48 hours, 37 women were given 800 mcg tablet of Misoprostol for oral consumption while other 37 women were given 800 mcg Misoprostol for self-administering vaginally. Abortion status and complications were checked.

Results The complete abortion rates in vaginal group and oral group were 97.3% and 86.49 % respectively. Satisfaction was more in case of vaginal misoprostol, while side effects were similar in both groups.

Conclusions Mifepristone with vaginal misoprostol was more effective as compared to oral misoprostol for first trimester abortion.