Randomized controlled study comparing misoprostol moistened with normal saline and with acetic acid for second-trimester pregnancy termination. Is it different?

Objective: To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of 400 mu g intravaginal misoprostol for second-trimester pregnancy termination in live fetuses between two groups: one in which misoprostol was moistened with normal saline solution (NSS) and the other in which misoprostol was moistened with acetic acid. Materials and Methods: A total of 179 pregnant women between 14 and 28 weeks of gestation with live fetuses indicated for pregnancy termination were recruited. They were randomly allocated to receive 400 mu g intravaginal misoprostol either moistened with NSS (n = 96) or moistened with acetic acid (n = 83). The same dosage was then repeated every 3 h if adequate uterine contractions were not achieved until 48 h after the initiation of misoprostol. The main outcomes were mean abortion time, success rate, and adverse effects. Results: The mean abortion time was not significantly different between the groups (24.98 +/- 16.42 h vs 25.89 +/- 10.34 h, P > 0.05). The rates of abortion within 24 h and 48 h and the adverse effects were also comparable between the groups. Chills and fever were the most common adverse effects in this study. Conclusion: Intravaginal misoprostol either moistened with NSS or acetic acid was comparable in terms of efficacy and adverse effects.