Misoprostol alone is effective for mid-trimester abortion

Abstract

Background: The use of prostaglandins has substantially reduced the risk related with mid- trimester abortions. Misoprostol is available in many countries worldwide and is advantageous from the rest of prostaglandin as it is inexpensive, thermo and light stable. It is easy to use and is cheap. It can be used by different routes. Misoprostol has route dependent pharmaco-kinetic profile with best absorption following vaginal administration. Objective: To find efficacy and safety of intra-vaginal Misoprostol for mid- trimester abortion. Methods: A hospital based prospective study was carried out at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital from 1st Jan 2009 to 31st Dec 2010. A total of 50 cases of mid- trimester termination of pregnancy were analyzed in that period using intra-vaginal Misoprostol 400 microgram every 12 hours till a maximum of 48 hours. Results: The most common indication for undergoing mid trimester abortion was missed abortion (56%) followed by congenital abnormalities (22%). Most of the women were married (98%). The mean age of the women was 26.21± 5.8 years (Mean± SD). The mean gravidity was 2.63 ±1.76. Mean gestational was 19.60±3.937 weeks. The success was defined if Misoprostol was able to induce abortion. Complete abortion was defined if fetus and placenta was expelled completely and was not resorted further to either medical or surgical means. The success rate was 96%. The complete abortion rate was 86%. The mean induction abortion interval was 13.067±6.21 hours. Mean dose of misoprostol was 616.667±285.34 microgram. The most common side effect was fever with chills and rigor. Conclusion: Intra-vaginal misoprostol is safe, effective, cheap and easily available method for second trimester termination of pregnancy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i2.10627Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 2, No. 2, Issue 4, Apr.-Jun., 2013, page: 59-62