Misoprostol Versus Outpatient Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) for Termination of Pregnancy: A Quasi Experimental Study

Abstract

Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of Misoprostol versus Outpatient manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) for termination of pregnancy.
Study Design: Quasi experimental study
Place and Duration of Study: Conducted in Cantonment General Hospital from 1/1/2015 -31/1/2015
Materials and Methods: Women eligible for both MVA and Misoprostol were included in this study. Women were allocated to either group according to the option chosen by them. Misoprostol was administered at a dose of 400 microgram sublingual, 4 doses four hours apart. Manual vacuum aspiration was performed according to 1 practice guidelines provided by IPAS Certified Professionals. Primary outcome measure was achievement of complete evacuation within 24 hours.
Results: Out of 101 women, 68 (62.3%) were in MVA group and 33 (32.6%) in Misoprostol group. Complete evacuation was achieved in 28 (82.1%) women in the Misoprostol group and 68 (100 %) in the MVA group within 24 hours (P value 0.003). Five women had failed medical termination. None of the women required hospital admission. There was no statistical difference between the two groups (p value 0.079) in terms of total number of visits or requirement of analgesia.
Conclusion: Both Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA) and Misoprostol are safe and effective alternatives for termination of pregnancy but the former is more likely to achieve complete evacuation within 24 hours.