The Study of Effectiveness of 400 or 600 Micrograms of Vaginal Misoprostol for Terminations of Early Pregnancies in Sisaket Hospital

Abstract

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness and side effects of transvaginal application of 400 or 600 µg of misoprostol for termination of pregnancy.
Study design: A prospective randomized single-blinded trial.
Setting: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Sisaket Hospital
Material and Method: 89 pregnant women with less than 20 weeks gestational, at Sisaket Hospital from May 1, 2010 to April 30, 2011 were recruited. The termination of pregnancy had been suggested by the obstetrician and the decision was made by the patient and her husband. The sample were randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 had 44 patients and 400 µg ( 2 tablets) of misoprostol was applied three times in a 6 hour interval. Group 2 had 45 patients and 600 µg (3 tablets ) of misoprostol was applied in the same manner. Both groups were observed and evaluated within 24 hours. Main outcome measures: Rate of complete abortion and side effects of both 400 and 600 pg misoprostol within 24 hours.
Results: No statistical significant difference was found in the general characteristics of both sample groups. Group 1 had an abortion rate of 40.33 % while group 2 had an abortion rate of 62.29%. This was statistically significant between two groups . The time interval after insertion to complete abortion was 11.25+ 5.18 hours in group 1 and 10.55±5.75 hours in group 2. Side effects, such as fever, lower abdominal pain, massive vaginal bleeding and diarrhea showed no statistical difference between two groups.
Conclusion: Transvaginal application of 600 µg misoprostol (3 times every 6 hours) caused a higher rate of complete abortion compared with an application of 400 µg misoprostol. The side effect of both groups showed no statistical difference.