A comparison of two regimens of intravaginal misoprostol for termination of second trimester pregnancy: a randomized comparative trial

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Abstract
A prospective randomized trial was conducted in 148 women to compare the efficacy of two regimens of vaginal misoprostol for termination of second trimester pregnancy. Women aged 16–40 years requesting termination of second trimester pregnancy were randomized into two groups. Women in group 1 were given vaginal misoprostol 400 μg every 3 h for a maximum of five doses in 24 h. Women in group 2 were given vaginal misoprostol 400 μg every 6 h for a maximum of three doses in 24 h. If women did not abort in 24 h, the same regimen was repeated. The median induction–abortion interval in group 1 (15.2 h) was significantly shorter (P < 0.01) than that in the group 2 (19.0 h). The percentage of women who achieved successful abortion within 48 h in group 1 (90.5%) was also significantly higher (P < 0.02) than that in group 2 (75.7%). The incidence of fever was more common in group 1 (P = 0.01). It is concluded that the regimen of vaginal misoprostol 400 μg every 3 h with maximum of five doses in 24 h was more effective than the regimen of misoprostol every 6 h in termination of second trimester pregnancy.