Termination of pregnancy using vaginal misoprostol-only regimen: Analysis of number of doses needed for successful termination

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine course number of misoprostol to successfully terminate a pregnancy according to gestational age. We retrospectively analyzed 365 consecutive terminations of pregnancies from the hospital records and our Perinatology Unit registry. The study cohort was divided into three; according to the trimesters of the pregnancy. The course number of vaginal misoprostol, hemoglobin levels and indications of pregnancy terminations were compared. More than half of the medical terminations of pregnancies were due to fetal central nervous system anomalies (51,2%). The course number needed for successful termination of pregnancy was significantly higher in the second trimester of pregnancy, compared to the first trimester group (p=0.0002). There was no significant difference between first and third trimesters (p=0.652). Increased number of courses of misoprostol was directly associated with drop in hemoglobin levels, regardless of gestational week or parity. Vaginal misoprostol alone is still safe and effective method for termination of pregnancy. The number of courses needed for expulsion of the fetus is significantly higher during the second trimester of the pregnancy and as course number increased, the reduction in hemoglobin levels was more pronounced.

Keywords

• pregnancy
• termination
• vaginal
• misoprostol

Supporting Institution

None

Project Number

None

Thanks

None

References

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