Termination of second trimester pregnancy; a comparative
study of using misoprostol alone and oxytocin
K. Nedialkov, M. Panova
First Ob-Gyn Hospital, St.Sofia Department of Gynecology,
Sofia
Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the
efficacy and complications associated with using Misoprostol alone and Oxytocin
for termination of second trimester pregnancy.
Material and methods: One hundred and fourteen patients
undergoing termination of second trimester pregnancy between January 1997 and
November 2000 were studied. The patients were allocated in two groups:
termination by using Misoprostol and termination by using Oxytocin. Sixty
patients received 200 mkg Misoprostol every four hours peroral and fifty four 40
units/L Oxytocin i.v. There were no significant differences between age, parity
and cervical status in two groups. Mean induction to abortion time, blood lose
were estimated.
Results: The mean induction to abortion time was 12,6(4–24)hours
in Misoprostol group and 18,4( 4–32) hours in Oxytocin group (p<0.05). In the group with Misoprostol there was no need for surgical intervention except curettage, in the group with Oxytocin there were 11 surgical interventions /1CS, 10 fetus extraction’s/ (p<0.02). Hemorrhage is the same in the both groups.
Conclusion: Termination of second trimester pregnancies
by using Misoprostol is safer and faster comparing to termination by using
Oxytocin. Regarding the high effectiveness and low cost misoprostol becomes one
of the most important medications in obstetrical practice.
