Early termination of pregnancy by single-dose 800 μg misoprostol compared with surgical evacuation

Objectives

To assess the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of early termination of pregnancy by vaginal administration of a single dose of misoprostol.

Setting

Healthy women seeking abortion in an institutional research environment in a tertiary-care hospital.

Design

Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial.

Participants

One hundred forty women seeking termination of pregnancy up to 49 days' gestational age were alternatively assigned to undergo medical or suction termination.

Intervention(s)

Saline-soaked prostaglandin E₁ analogue, misoprostol (800 μg), was administered vaginally in group I, and group II underwent suction evacuation. Transvaginal sonography was performed on two subsequent visits to assess outcome.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Efficacy, side effects, complications, and acceptability were assessed in both groups.

Result(s)

Complete abortion rate between the misoprostol and the surgical group was 94.2% versus 95.5%, respectively. Side effects were fewer in the misoprostol group and it had a higher acceptability rate.

Conclusion(s)

Single dose of vaginal misoprostol alone has a success rate comparable with surgical method for termination of early pregnancy. Side effects were fewer in women who received misoprostol, and the method was well accepted.

Key Words: Early termination of pregnancy, misoprostol, suction evacuation, transvaginal sonography