Efficacy of Single Dose of 800µg Vaginal Misoprostol in the Induction of First Trimester Abortion

Authors

  • Arjamand Mahmood, Amina Saleem, Salma Khalid, Safoora Anjum, Ummay Ammara, Shazia Noor

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs2216348

Keywords:

First-Trimester Abortion, Vaginal Misoprostol, 800µg Single Dose

Abstract

Background: Dissolution of pregnancy in the first trimester for several maternal as well as foetal concerns (therapeutic abortion) is a common obstetrical issue. However, induction of abortion demands thorough and effective care, just as women in labour with childbirth. World Health Organization estimates that 13% of all the maternal deaths in South-Asia are associated with abortion procedures. The current recommended approach is 800 µg misoprostol administered vaginally repeated at 3 hours intervals for a maximum of 3 doses with a reported frequency of 85% for complete expulsion of products of conception within 24 hours after administration. There are studies which claim a single vaginal dose of 800µg misoprostol to be equally effective, but more convenient and safe. However, there was controversy surrounding the efficacy of this single dose regimen.

Aim: To determine the efficacy of single dose of 800 µg vaginal misoprostol in the induction of first trimester abortion.

Methods: This was a descriptive case series conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Lahore. A written informed consent was taken from all the patients.

Results: The total number of patients admitted in the unit over period of 1 year were 369 women in their first trimester requiring therapeutic abortion. The mean age of the patients was 29.04±4.98 years and the mean gestational age was 7.96±2.24 weeks. Majority of the patients were para 2  48(40.1%) followed by para 3(35.8%) and para 1(24.1%). Complete expulsion of POCs within 24 hours was achieved in 342(92.7%) cases while it failed in 7.3% cases. When cross tabulated, the frequency of successful expulsion was unaffected by age (p=.114), gestational age (p=.250) and parity (p=.238).

Conclusion: The frequency of complete expulsion of products of conception with single dose of 800µg vaginal misoprostol in first trimester induced abortion was observed to be 92.7%.

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How to Cite

Arjamand Mahmood, Amina Saleem, Salma Khalid, Safoora Anjum, Ummay Ammara, Shazia Noor. (2022). Efficacy of Single Dose of 800µg Vaginal Misoprostol in the Induction of First Trimester Abortion. Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences, 16(03), 48. https://doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs2216348