A Comparison of Two Dosing Regimens of Intravaginal Misoprostol for First and Second- Trimesters Pregnancy Termination


Abstract in English

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Misoprostol administered intravaginally every 12 versus 6 hours for termination of pregnancy in the first and second trimesters. Methods: Fifty six pregnant patients at 7 – 22 weeks of gestation were randomized to receive 800 μg (first trimester) and 200 μg either every 12 or every 6 hours for 48 hours. Results: The incidence of abortion within 48 hours after initial dose, in the first trimester was 100% in the two groups, in the second trimester the incidences were 95.5 and 100%. The incidences of abortion by a single dose in the first trimester were 85 and 10% in the 12 and 6 hours groups respectively (P <0.001) The mean abortion intervals 8.3 , 20.2 and 12.4 hours in the 12 and 6 hour group respectively. Side effects were similar in both groups. Conclusion: Misoprostol administered vaginally is effective for termination of first and second trimester pregnancies in non scared uterus. Giving the medication at a shorter interval from 12 to 6 hours appeared to have no significant benefit.

References used

Altman D G. How large a sample ? In: Gore S M, Altman D G, eds. Statistics in Practice. London: British Medical Association, 1982: 6- 8
Garris R E, Kirkwood C F. Misoprostol: A prostaglandin E-1 analogue Clin pharm 1989; 8:627-644
Herting R L, Nissen C H. Overview of misoprostol clinical experience. Dig Dis Sci 1986; 31 (suppl 2) : 47s-54s

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