Randomized controlled trial comparing efficacy between a vaginal misoprostol loading and non-loading dose regimen for second-trimester pregnancy termination.

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol loading dose regimen with non-loading dose regimen for termination of second-trimester pregnancy with live fetuses.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A randomized controlled trial was conducted on pregnant women with a live fetus at 14-28 weeks. The patients were randomly allocated to receive either the vaginal misoprostol loading dose regimen (600 mcg, then 400 mcg every 6 h) or the non-loading dose regimen (400 mcg every 6 h). Failure to abort within 48 h was considered to be a failure.

RESULTS

Of 157 recruited women, 77 were assigned to be in group 1 (loading group) and 80 were in group 2 (non-loading group). The median abortion time was not statistically different between the groups (14.08; 95% confidence interval: 12.45-17.77 h and 14.58; 95% confidence interval: 12.8-17.27 h, P > 0.05). The rates of abortion within 24 h and 48 h were also comparable between the groups. Fever and chills were more common in the loading group. No other serious complications, such as postpartum hemorrhage and uterine rupture, were found.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal misoprostol in the loading dose regimen had a similar efficacy to the non-loading dose regimen but was associated with more adverse maternal effects.