Efficacy of a single dose vaginal misoprostol 800 microgram in termination of pregnancy in first trimester.

<p><strong>Background and objectives:</strong> The use of single dose of Misoprostol vaginally at the primary care level where mifepristone is not available and Misoprostol being cost-effective has the potential to significantly increase the rural women's access to safe abortion. The aim of our study was to 1) to evaluate the efficacy of single dose 800 micrograms of vaginal Misoprostol in first trimester pregnancy termination, 2) to critically evaluate the percentage of patients needing multiple doses, and 3) to study and evaluate the failure rate, complications and side effects with Misoprostol usage.</p> <p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai during the period of February 2007 to July 2007. Fifty patients with intrauterine pregnancy up to 12 weeks were selected for the study. Under strict aseptic precautions 800 microgram of Misoprostol was kept in posterior fornix. Time of application of tablet was noted. Analysis was done in the following aspects (1) induction abortion interval. (2) efficacy of single dose, percentage of patients requiring second dose and curettage.(3)to note side effects. Analysis was done with the help of computer using epidemiological information package (EPI 2002).</p> <p><strong>Results: </strong>74% of the patients had a complete expulsion with single dose and the mean induction abortion interval was 11.38 hours.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Single high dose of vaginal misoprostol was found to be effective in first trimester pregnancy termination with minimal side effects and shorter induction abortion interval and hospital stay.&nbsp;</p>