Vaginal versus oral misoprostol for second-trimester pregnancy termination: a randomized trial

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Second-trimester pregnancy termination is a critical aspect of reproductive healthcare.
• Misoprostol is widely used for medical pregnancy termination, but optimal routes of administration require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy and side effects of vaginal versus oral misoprostol for second-trimester pregnancy termination.

Main Methods:

• A randomized study involving sixty women in their second trimester requiring pregnancy termination.
• Participants were assigned to receive either vaginal or oral misoprostol (400 mcg initial dose, with up to three additional 400 mcg doses if needed).
• Efficacy (delivery rates) and side effects were compared between the two groups.

Main Results:

• Vaginal misoprostol demonstrated a significantly higher delivery rate (86.7%) compared to oral administration (43.3%; p = 0.0006).
• No significant differences were observed in complication rates between the vaginal and oral groups.
• The interval from induction to delivery was also comparable between the two administration routes.

Conclusions:

• Vaginal administration of misoprostol is a more effective method for achieving pregnancy termination in the second trimester.
• Both routes exhibit similar safety profiles regarding complications and time to delivery.