Comparison of sequential vaginal and sublingual misoprostol after a vaginal loading dose for second-trimester abortion

摘要

Objective To evaluate the effects of sequential vaginal and sublingual misoprostol after a vaginal loading dose for second-trimester abortion. Materials and methods From January 2006 to December 2011, 173 women received an 800-μg vaginal loading dose of misoprostol. After the loading dose, 103 patients received 800?mg of misoprostol vaginally and 70 patients received 400?mg of misoprostol sublingually every 12?h until the delivery of the fetus. Results In the vaginal group, the average abortion time was 1.07?±?1.29 days; that was 0.82?±?0.66 days in the sublingual group. Sequential sublingual misoprostol after a vaginal loading dose of 800?mg with an administration interval of 12?h had a similar abortion rate and time to abortion. In addition, this protocol reduced unnecessary digital pelvic examinations and speculum examinations. Conclusion This sequential sublingual misoprostol regimen might be a suitable regimen for mid-trimester abortion.