THE USE OF MISOPROSTOL FOR TERMINATION OF EARLY-PREGNANCY

Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analogue which has utero-tonic properti es. Administered vaginally, it is an effective agent for induction of second trimester abortions. This study was undertaken to determine if the vaginal administration of misoprostol is effective for inducing fi rst trimester abortions. Fifty-eight women with pregnancies less than 10 weeks gestation who desired pregnancy termination received varying dosages of vaginal misoprostol, either alone or in combination with la minaria or tamoxifen. The overall success rate for a complete abortion was 61%. The use of laminaria or tamoxifen did not affect success rat es. Abortions occurred within 24 hours of administration of misoprosto l. Side effects were minimal. There were no significant differences in any of the following between those who had a successful abortion and those who did not: gravidity, parity, prior elective abortion, age, ge stational age of the pregnancy, and level of human chorionic gonadotro pin Although not as successful as other combination regimens, misopros tol alone is readily available, easy to administer, and without major side effects. The use of this agent could eliminate the need for about two-thirds of surgical abortions in the first 10 weeks of gestation.