Concentrated oxytocin plus low-dose prostaglandin E2 compared with prostaglandin E2 vaginal suppositories for second-trimester pregnancy termination.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the efficacy and side effects of concentrated oxytocin plus low-dose prostaglandin (PG) E2 compared with a standard dose of vaginal PGE2 for second-trimester pregnancy termination.

METHODS

Patients with obstetric or fetal complications were randomly assigned to receive either a 20-mg PGE2 vaginal suppository every 4 hours (n = 81) or a concentrated oxytocin infusion plus a 10-mg PGE2 vaginal suppository every 6 hours (n = 73). Treatment success was defined as delivery (or imminent delivery) within 24 hours of therapy. Women who failed their assigned regimen were crossed to the alternate method.

RESULTS

Indications for delivery were similar in the two groups. The success rate with oxytocin was 89%, compared with 81% with vaginal PGE2 (relative risk 0.92, 95% confidence interval 0.8-1.04; P = .2). Maternal fever (P < .001), nausea (P = .02), and vomiting (P = .003) occurred significantly more often in women who received a 20-mg PGE2 vaginal suppository every 4 hours.

CONCLUSION

Concentrated oxytocin plus low-dose PGE2 should be considered as an alternative to vaginal PGE2 for indicated second-trimester pregnancy termination.