Source
Perinatalogy Department, Vali-e-Asr Reproductive Health Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. sima687080@yahoo.com
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and side-effects of two regimens of vaginal misoprostol for pregnancy termination of up to 16 weeks.
METHODS:
A randomised clinical trial of medical pregnancy termination of up to 16 weeks was conducted. A hundred pregnant women requesting legal termination of pregnancy were randomised into two groups to receive either 200 microg (50 women) or 400 microg (50 women)--vaginal misoprostol every six hours up to four doses. Outcome of abortion and side-effects were assessed.
RESULTS:
The groups were similar in maternal age, gestational age, parity and indication for pregnancy termination. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in abortion (P = 0.084) and mean induction to abortion time (P = 0.35). However, the side-effects in the 400 microg group were significantly higher than in the 200 microg group (P = 0.000). Conclusion: In pregnancy termination of up to 16 weeks, 200 microg vaginal misoprostol every six hours up to four doses was as effective as 400 microg, but side-effects were more common in 400 microg regimen.