Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Oral and Vaginal Misoprostol for Intrauterine Fetal Death and Fetal Anomaly in Second Trimester Pregnancy Termination: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: which method of the expulsion of intrauterine fetal death and fetal anomaly in second trimester is effective, safe, and suitable for pregnant women. Objectives: to evaluate the effectiveness of oral misoprostol and vaginal misoprostol for intrauterine fetal death and fetal anomaly in second trimester pregnancy termination. Materials and Methods: a clinical trial in 108 women experiencing intrauterine fetal death and fetal anomaly during the second trimester in the obstetric department, Can Tho central general hospital in 2014. Excluded criteria: multiple pregnancies, uterus cesarean section scar, and misoprostol contraindication. Intervention: randomized division into two groups: group 1: misoprostol oral, group 2: vaginal misoprostol; dosage as recommended by FIGO. Success was defined as a complete and natural fetal and placenta expulsion without dilation and curettage or other treatment; and healthy hospital discharge. Results: the success rate of group 1 was 75.9%; group 2 was 83.3%. The success rates for fetal conditions of intrauterine fetal death were 74.6%, and the fetal anomaly was 86.7%. In group 1, the success rate in intrauterine fetal death was 63%, fetal anomaly was 88.9%. In group 2, the success rate in intrauterine fetal death was 81.3% and fetal anomaly was 86.4%. The rate of expulsion in the first 24 hours was 78.1% in group 1; 88.9% in group 2, which was not different statistically. Some side effects encountered in the study such as headache, nausea, diarrhea, fever/chills, rash were mainly seen in the oral misoprostol group; all side effects and complications were mild and transient. Related factors to complete expulsion in both groups were gestational age, parity, and fetal conditions. Conclusion: vaginal misoprostol has the same effectiveness and fewer complications than oral misoprostol.