MIDTRIMESTER PREGNANCY TERMINATION: COMPARISON OF PROSTAGLANDIN F2 ALPHA WITH MISOPROSTOL

Objective: To compare the efficacy and cost of misoprostol and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α ) for mid-trimester pregnancy termination. Methodology: This comparative quasi experimental study was conducted in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from September 2006 to August 2007. Total 100 pregnant women admitted for therapeutic termination pregnancy were included in the study that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Patients were randomly allocated into 2 equal groups by lottery method. Patients in group- I were induced with tablet misoprostol while patients in group-II were induced with extra-amniotic prostaglandin F2 alpha injection. In both groups variables like induction delivery interval, duration of hospital stay, cost of drugs and side effects were measured. Data was analyzed by SPSS version 16. Results: Induction delivery interval and hospital stay were shorter in Misoprostol group (P .000). Misoprostol was more economical compared with PGF2α (P .000). Success rate was 100% with PGF2α and 96% with misoprostol. However, side effects were common with PGF2α (P .001). Conclusion: Misoprostol is a very effective and economical drug for mid-trimester pregnancy termination.