Multiple-dose vaginal misoprostol and single-dose misoprostol plus oxytocin for termination of second-trimester pregnancy.

Objective: To compare 2 different methods-multiple doses of misoprostol and a combination of misoprostol and oxytocin-for termination of pregnancy in the second trimester.

Methods: Between 2006 and 2008, 120 women undergoing termination of second-trimester pregnancy in 2 hospitals in Kermanshah, Iran, were enrolled in a randomized trial comparing 2 treatments. In each treatment group, an initial vaginal dose of 600 μg of misoprostol was placed in the posterior fornix. After 6 hours, an intravenous infusion of concentrated oxytocin was given to women in group A, and 400 μg of vaginal misoprostol was given every 6 hours to women group B, up to a maximum of 4 doses. The outcomes were compared via χ(2) and independent t tests.

Results: Within 30 hours, 96.7% of women in group A and 96.7% of women in group B delivered successfully. The average duration between induction and delivery time was 12.3±6.0 hours in group A and 12.1±6.0 hours in group B (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The use of misoprostol with oxytocin, and multiple doses of misoprostol gave similar results for termination of pregnancy in the second trimester.