Efficacy and Safety of Vaginal Misoprostol in Second Trimester Abortion

Abstract

BACKGROUNDTermination of pregnancy has been legalised in India in 1971, mainly to prevent the complications of illegal abortions. Surgical methods of termination in second trimester are not without maternal risks and complications. A search for safer and easier methods of termination of pregnancy prompted by numerous potential complications has resulted in various medical approaches. Hence, prostaglandins were thought to be the answer. Using vaginal misoprostol was cheaper and more effective compared to other methods.The aim of this study was to study the safety and efficacy of vaginal misoprostol in second trimester termination of pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis is a study involving 75 patients who attended the OBG OPD for second trimester termination between the period of 2007 and 2012 with the inclusion criteria of singleton pregnancy in both nulliparous and multiparous patients with gestational age between 14 and 24 weeks using 400 micrograms to 1200 micrograms of vaginal misoprostol. RESULTSThe present study further documents the positive experience on the safety and efficacy of misoprostol (PG E1 analogue) in the vaginal route in inducing second trimester abortion. CONCLUSIONMisoprostol is really a wonder drug with safety and efficacy in achieving the second trimester abortion by medical methods, costeffective and easy to administer with minimal side effects. -05-2017, Peer Review 17-06-2017, Acceptance 20-06-2017, Published 24-06-2017. Corresponding Author: Geetha K, #18/A, Elaikara Street, Karaikal-609602. E-mail: vemsrigeenan3@gmail.com DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2017 Surgical methods in second trimester are not without medical risks and complications. So there is a need for alternate methods of termination of pregnancy, preferably medical methods without any risks or at least with minimal complications, easy and inexpensive. Use of prostaglandin analogue E1 could be the right choice now. KEYWORDS ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vaginal misoprostol in second trimester abortion in both nulliparous and multigravida with anomaly baby, dead foetus due to failure of contraception or due to other medical causes. MATERIALS AND METHODSThis is a descriptive hospital-based study design involving 75 patients attending the outpatient department for second trimester pregnancy fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Inclusion Criteria