Second trimester pregnancy termination with 800 mcg vaginal misoprostol.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the efficacy of 800 microgram vaginal misoprostol tablet for second trimester pregnancy termination. DESIGN: Prospective descriptive study. SETTING: Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University. SUBJECT Pregnant women meeting the inclusion criteria including (1) singleton pregnancy with live fetus, (2) gestational age of 14-28 weeks, (3) indication for therapeutic termination, (4) closed and uneffaced cervix, (5) absence of uterine contraction and leakage of amniotic fluid, (6) no previous classical uterine scar, (7) no contraindication for misoprostol such as hypersensitivity. INTERVENTION 800 microgram misoprostol tablet intravagina every 12 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean induction delivery time, mean abortion time, maternal side effects. RESULTS: The mean induction delivery time was 21.38 + 13.68 hours, mean abortion time was 21.56 +/- 13.68 hours. Diarrhea was the most common side effect occuring in 40 per cent of patients. CONCLUSIONS: 800 mcg vaginal misoprostol every 12 hours is effective but if we want high efficacy along with fewer side effects, lower dose and interval should be further studied.