Publication

Abstract :

Context: 

Aims: This study aims to compare the effectiveness, induction to abortion interval, blood loss, and side effect profile between administration of intraamniotic prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α) with a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol for medical termination of pregnancy in mid-trimester. Prospective observational study.

Subjects and Methods: 

The study was conducted by dividing the women with indicated mid-trimester abortions into two groups of 20 women each. Group-I received Tablet Mifepristone 200 mg orally on day 1 and then after 48 h, Tablet Misoprostol 400 μg given per vaginally every 4 h till abortion was completed or a maximum of 5 doses whichever was earlier. Group-II received a single injection of PGF2α (250 μg) intra-amniotically under ultrasonography guidance. Group comparisons were made using t-test/Mann–Whitney U-test for normally/nonnormally distributed continuous data, respectively, and Chi-square test for categorical variables. SPSS version 23 was used for analysis. P < 0.05 was taken as the cut-off for statistical significance.

Results: 

The success rate was 100% in both the groups. There was a significant difference in the mean induction to abortion interval between Group-I, the mean being 12.92 ± 2.68 h compared to Group-II being 33.08 ± 6.35 h (P < 0.001). Group-I had a mean blood loss of 221 ± 55.15 mL, significantly more than Group-II 160 ± 25.13 mL (P < 0.001). Twenty-five percent of the Group-I woman had retained products of conception with none in Group-II (P = 0.029). The pain score was better in Group II (pain score 4.4 vs. 5.7, P < 0.001). Fewer women developed chills in Group II compared to Group I (0% vs. 50%, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: 

PGF2α is equally effective as a combination of Mifepristone and Misoprostol in mid-trimester abortion. Although it has a longer induction to abortion interval, it appears to be better with respect to the completeness of evacuation, lesser blood loss, and better patient tolerance.