Abstract

This study was done to compare the effectiveness and safety of mifepristone/misoprostol versus extra-amniotic injection of ethacridine lactate for the termination of second trimester pregnancy. Sixty women requesting voluntary termination of pregnancies, between 13 and 20 weeks of gestation, were randomly assigned into two groups. Group 1 (MM) received a single oral dose of 200 mg mifepristone and 48 h later 400 mcg vaginal misoprostol every 4 h, with up to five additional doses. Group 2 (EL) received an extra-amniotic injection of 150 ml of ethacridine lactate with 250 mcg of PGF2α. The primary outcome was successful abortion rate. Secondary outcomes included the difference in the induction-to-abortion interval and the frequency of adverse events. Both MM and EL regimens were effective, with successful abortion rates of 96.67 and 93.33%, respectively (P value > 0.05, NS). The complete abortion rates were 90 and 86.66%, respectively. The induction-to-abortion interval was longer in the MM group than in the EL group that is, (58.31 ± 3.62 h) versus (32.28 ± 9.94 h), respectively, P < 0.001, VHS). Both treatments were safe, although there was a significant difference in duration of hospital stay between the two groups. Both MM and EL regimens were effective with high success rates and were safe for the termination of second trimester pregnancy.

Key words: Mifepristone, misoprostol, pregnancies, abortion, treatments.