Moistening of misoprostol tablets with acetic acid prior to vaginal administration for mid-trimester termination of anomalous pregnancy: A randomised comparison of three regimens

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and side effects of three regimens of intravaginal misoprostol for second-trimester abortion. METHODS: A total of 118 women requiring second-trimester pregnancy termination were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: 400 microg 3-hourly in group A (n = 39), 600 microg 6-hourly in group B (n = 39), and 800 microg 12-hourly in group C (n = 40). Misoprostol tablets moistened with 3 ml of 5% acetic acid were placed into the posterior vaginal fornix. RESULTS: The median induction-abortion times in groups A (8 h [range: 3-64]) and B (9 h [4-81]) were significantly shorter (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) than in group C (12.5 [3-72]). Moreover, expulsion rates within 24 hours in groups A (92.3%) and B (92.3%) were significantly higher (p < 0.05 in both cases) than that of group C (75%). Expulsion rate within 48 hours, number of tablets used, number of patients with retained placenta and side effects did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Misoprostol moistened with acetic acid is effective for second-trimester pregnancy termination when given vaginally 3-hourly, 6-hourly or 12-hourly. The former two regimens are significantly more effective than the latter.