MISOPROSTOL FOR THE PURPOSE OF MID-TRIMESTER TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY WITH PROSTAGLANDIN F2 ALPHA

Authors

  • Faiqa Imran
  • Afia Anser
  • Nargis Danish
  • Naheed Fatima

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of misoprostol verses prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) in themedical management of termination of mid-trimester pregnancy due to medical reasons. Methods:This experimental study was conducted in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department, BahawalVictoria Hospital, Bahawalpur for a period of 6 months from April 2005 to September 2005. Timeinterval between induction with misoprostol or PGF2α and expulsion of foetus, number of tabletsof misoprostol used and total dose of injection PGF2α used for termination of pregnancy as well asthe complications experienced with both drugs. Fifty patients of 18–35 years of age wererandomly selected who presented to Gynaecology and Obstetrics outdoor with mid-trimester foetalloss or congenitally malformed foetus incompatible to life, confirmed on ultrasonography. Thesewomen were randomised to receive either intravaginal misoprostol or extra-amniotic PGF2α.Results: Ninety-six percent of cases were managed successfully with Misoprostol as compared to92% where PGF2α was tried (p>0.5). Mean induction to expulsion duration for misoprostol andPGF2α were 9.02±4.57 and 16.04±6.22 hours respectively (p<0.5). Complications profile was lowespecially in cases of PGF2α and only one case experienced significant haemorrhage. Conclusion:Misoprostol and PGF2α were found to be of same success rate but former was found to be moreefficacious in terms of induction to expulsion duration.Keywords: Misoprostol, Mid-trimester foetal death, PGF2α, Abortion, Pregnancy, Outcome,Second trimester termination of pregnancy

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Published

2010-12-01

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