Effectiveness of Oral Misoprostol in Termination of Second Trimester Pregnancy with Dead Fetus in Utero

Abstract

Objective To study the effectiveness of oral misoprostol in termination of secondtrimester pregnancy with dead fetus.

Subjects Twenty pregnant women, 14-28 week's gestation with dead fetus in utero and unfavourable cervix, between 1st August, 1997 and 31st July, 1998. Intervention 400 micrograms misoprostol orally every 4 hours.

Main outcome measurement Success rate in termination of pregnancy within 24 hours (complete delivery of fetus), mean induction-delivery time in successful group, maternal side effects.

Results Success rate in termination of pregnancy within 24 hours was 90%. Mean induction-delivery time in successful group was 10.5 hours (4.5-22.7).

Conclusion Oral administration of misoprostol is convenient, inexpensive and highly effective in termination of secondtrimester pregnancy with dead fetus in utero with minimal side effects.