Optimal misoprostol dosing among patients with a body mass index greater than 30: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with obesity experience an increased duration of labor with an increased risk for perinatal morbidity. When compared with parturients without obesity, they also experience fewer uterine contractions after administration of misoprostol. It is unclear if the same dose of misoprostol should be used for induction of labor in patients with obesity compared to non-obese patients. Therefore, we sought to investigate if a higher dose of misoprostol for patients with obesity is more effective. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine if 50 µg compared with 25 µg of vaginal misoprostol reduced the time from induction start to delivery among patients with obesity. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a double-blinded, pragmatic randomized controlled trial, between June 1, 2022, and July 17, 2023. Patients with a body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 who underwent labor induction at ≥ 36 weeks' gestation, had a singleton gestation, and a cervical dilation ≤3 cm at admission were included. Patients were excluded if they had a contraindication to vaginal delivery or misoprostol administration. Patients were randomized to 25 or 50 µg of vaginal misoprostol, stratified by parity, body mass index <40 kg/m2 or ≥40 kg/m2, and provider intent to use mechanical dilation at the onset of labor induction. Usual labor management was followed at the discretion of the provider. The primary outcome was time from induction to delivery. A priori, we estimated that 90 subjects per group (N=180) were needed for an 85% power to detect a 3-hour difference between groups with a type I error of 5%. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. A 2-sample t test was used for the primary outcome, Cohen's d was used as a measure of effect, and P values were reported. RESULTS: Of the 180 patients randomized, 88 were assigned to the 25 µg group and 92 were assigned to the 50 µg group. Of those, 96.1% of patients received the designated intervention. The baseline characteristics were similar between groups. No difference was found in the primary outcome of time to delivery (21.6 hours vs 18.6 hours; d=.28; 95% confidence interval, -0.02 to 0.57). In a planned subgroup analysis, multiparous patients delivered faster in the 50 µg group (15.2 hours vs 12.0 hours; d=.51; 95% confidence interval, 0.04-0.97). The risk for tachysystole associated with fetal heart tracing changes was rare overall (2.2%) and not significantly different between groups. No differences in maternal or neonatal adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSION: Patients with obesity who underwent cervical ripening with 50 µg of vaginal misoprostol experienced a similar time to delivery when compared with those who received 25 µg of misoprostol. However, multiparous patients had a significantly reduced time to delivery when 50 µg was used. A higher dose of misoprostol may be a promising intervention for reducing time in labor, which warrants further study.

Retrospective cohort study comparing success of medical management of early pregnancy loss in pregnancies conceived with and without medical assistance.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the success rates of medical management using a combined mifepristone and misoprostol protocol in cases of early pregnancy loss (EPL) between women who conceived without medical assistance and those who conceived through in vitro fertilization (IVF), after fresh or frozen embryo transfer, and evaluate for the predictive factors of success, time to first passage of tissue, and time to complete resolution of pregnancy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Women who presented with EPL below 13 weeks of gestation between June 2013 and July 2021 who were managed medically with mifepristone 200 mg orally and misoprostol 800 mcg vaginally were included in the study. INTERVENTION(S): Medical management with mifepristone and misoprostol; conception without medical assistance vs. post-IVF, after fresh or frozen embryo transfer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We evaluated overall success and performed subgroup analysis according to the mode of conception and compared fresh vs. frozen-thawed embryo transfers for IVF pregnancies. In all groups, we also calculated success according to gestational age and compared the time to first passage of tissue. The potential predictive factors of treatment success were analyzed. The side effects and complications of treatment were recorded. RESULT(S): A total of 930 women were included in the study, 99 (11%) of whom achieved pregnancy after IVF. The overall success of medical treatment was 89% with no statistically significant difference according to the mode of conception (89% vs. 89%) or type of transfer (fresh 89% vs. frozen 89%). Only lower gestational age by sonography was independently predictive of treatment success, showing a negative regression coefficient of ß = -0.333 and an odds ratio of 0.717. The mean time to first passage of tissue was 5.0 ± 2.1 hours. Altogether, 666 women (72%) showed pregnancy resolution on the day of medication administration, an additional 110 women at 1-week follow-up, and a further 74 women after ≥4 weeks on ultrasound. CONCLUSION(S): Medical management of EPL with mifepristone and misoprostol is a highly successful treatment option that results in completed abortion in a timely fashion in both pregnancies conceived without medical assistance and those conceived after IVF.

Misoprostol and mid trimester termination of pregnancy in patients with two previous scars and more at Elwiya Maternity Teaching Hospital / Misoprostol e interrupção da gravidez no meio do trimestre em pacientes com duas cicatrizes anteriores e mais no Elwiya Maternity Teaching Hospital

Abstract Objectives: to determine efficiency and safety of three misoprostol regimens for 2nd trimester pregnancy termination in individuals with two or more cesarean section scars. Methods: a cross-sectional study included 100 pregnant ladies at 13th-26th weeks gestation with previous two cesarean sections (CSs) who were scheduled for pregnancy termination using misoprostol. Patients were conveniently assigned to 100µg/3h, 200µg/3h or 400 µg/3h regimens. Primary outcome was time to abortion, secondary outcomes were side effect and complications. Results: a significant association was found between number previous CSs and longer time to abortion (p=0.01). A highly significant association was identified between earlier gestational age and longer time to abortion (p<0.001). Lower side effects and complications were associated with 200 µg misoprostol every 3 hours of (p<0.001). Incomplete abortion was the most frequent recorded complication for the successive doses of misoprostol. Conclusions: misoprostol is an effective drug at low doses for pregnancy termination in women with prior two or more caesarean sections. However, its safety needs monitoring of the patient in the hospital to decrease morbidity and mortality behind its use.

Resumo Objetivos: determinar a eficiência e segurança de três regimes de misoprostol para interrupção da gravidez no segundo trimestre em indivíduos com duas ou mais cicatrizes de cesariana. Métodos: um estudo transversal incluiu 100 gestantes entre 13ª e 26ª semanas de gestação com duas cesarianas (CEs) anteriores que foram agendadas para interrupção da gravidez com uso de misoprostol. Os pacientes foram convenientemente designados para regimes de 100 µg/3 horas, 200 µg/3 horas ou 400 µg/3 horas. O desfecho primário foi o tempo para o aborto, os desfechos secundários foram efeitos colaterais e complicações. Resultados: foi encontrada associação significativa entre o número de cesáreas anteriores e o maior tempo até o aborto (p=0,01). Foi identificada associação altamente significativa entre idade gestacional mais precoce e maior tempo para abortar (p<0,001). Menores efeitos colaterais e complicações foram associados com 200 µg de misoprostol a cada 3 horas (p<0,001). O aborto incompleto foi a complicação mais frequente registrada para as doses sucessivas de misoprostol. Conclusões: o misoprostol é um medicamento eficaz em doses baixas para interrupção da gravidez em mulheres com duas ou mais cesarianas anteriores. Porém, sua segurança necessita de monitoramento do paciente no hospital para diminuir a morbimortalidade por trás de seu uso.

Effectiveness of dinoprostone gel, misoprostol vaginal insert and dinoprostone vaginal insert for induction of labour in twin pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness and safety of Dinoprostone Gel (DG), Misoprostol Vaginal Insert (MVI) and Dinoprostone Vaginal Insert (DVI) for induction of labour (IOL) in twin pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of twin pregnancies > 34 + 0 weeks gestation that underwent induction of labour (IOL) with DG, MVI or DVI between December 2016 and November 2019 in a Tertiary NHS hospital, North West England, UK. Delivery characteristics, maternal complications and neonatal outcomes were compared between the three groups. RESULTS: A total of 87 twin pregnancies were included for analysis. 27 women received DG, 34 received MVI and 26 DVI. The MVI cohort had a higher proportion of nulliparous women (55.9%) compared to the DG and DVI cohorts, 29.6% and 38.5% respectively. No other differences amongst demographic characteristics were considered clinically significant. DG demonstrated a significantly quicker time to delivery (minutes) compared to DVI (1021 ± 556 versus 1649 ± 852; P = 0.0026). Significantly fewer women required terbutaline for hyperstimulation/tachysystole in the DG group compared to MVI (0% vs 32%; RR 0.05; 95% CI 0.003-0.88). Both DG and MVI groups required significantly less oxytocin following artificial rupture of membranes compared to DVI (33% vs 65%; RR 0.51; 95% CI 0.28-0.93) and (29% vs 65%; RR 0.45; 95% CI 0.25-0.81). There were no significant differences in mode of delivery, maternal complications and neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that for women with a twin pregnancy considering a planned labour that induction with DG, MVI and DVI appear to be equally safe and effective IOL methods. These results should be interpreted with caution due to the study being underpowered to detect significant adverse outcomes. In order to determine the optimal method of IOL in twins, direct randomised comparison is needed.

A pilot study to compare propranolol and misoprostol versus misoprostol and placebo for induction of labor in primigravidae; a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The Induction of labor is the most common obstetric procedure in daily practice. Introducing propranolol as a new drug to augment the action of prostaglandins will help in the induction process and decrease CS rates. Several researchers have used propranolol in the augmentation of labor. AIM: This pilot study compares propranolol and misoprostol versus misoprostol alone for labor induction in primigravids. METHODS: This is a Randomized clinical trial, single-blinded, placebo-controlled trial at Ain Shams University Maternity hospital. This study included 128 pregnant full-term primigravid women candidates for labor induction, randomized into two groups. All candidates underwent labor induction with 25 µg of vaginal misoprostol. Group I received 20 mg of oral propranolol tablets, while group II received sugary pills as a placebo. Candidates who responded successfully to induction were assessed for possible augmentation of labor by amniotomy or oxytocin infusion. The Primary outcome was induction to delivery interval, while the secondary outcomes were the duration of the latent phase, mode of delivery, and APGAR score of the neonate. RESULTS: The induction-delivery time was (11.8 ± 8.1 h. vs. 12.6 ± 8.9 h., P value = 0.027) and the duration of the latent phase of labor (7.9 ± 5.6 h. vs. 9.2 ± 6.03 h., P value = 0.017) were significantly shorter in the group of misoprostol and propranolol compared to the group of misoprostol and placebo. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups' mode of delivery, indications for cesarean section, misoprostol, and oxytocin doses, or neonatal outcome. (P value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Propranolol, when used with misoprostol for induction of labor, results in augmentation of action of misoprostol and a significantly shorter induction-delivery interval. TRIAL REGISTRATION: We retrospectively registered this trial in clinicaltrial.gov on 01/09/2020 (NCT04533841). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04533841.

Outpatient vs inpatient induction of labor with oral misoprostol: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Induction of labor is one of the most common obstetrical procedures today, with a successively rising rate. With a limited number of hospital beds, the option of starting induction at home has gained increasing attention. The primary aim of this study was to compare the proportion of women achieving vaginal delivery and the duration of hospital stay before delivery in induction of labor with oral misoprostol starting at home and induction with oral misoprostol at the hospital, in a low-risk population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Women with home induction (n = 282) were individually matched to controls induced at the hospital during the same time period regarding parity, age, body mass index, labor unit and indication for induction. RESULTS: The rates of vaginal birth were similar in outpatients and inpatients (84.8% vs 86.2%; p = 0.5). Time from hospital admission to delivery in the outpatient group was significantly shorter than in the inpatient group (12.8 vs 20.6 h; p < 0.001), as was total hospital stay (2 vs 3 days; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the groups in neonatal or maternal outcomes. One patient undergoing outpatient induction had an unplanned home birth. CONCLUSIONS: Starting induction at home reduced the time spent in hospital without affecting the vaginal delivery rate. Although underpowered to assess safety, this study did not show any differences in adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes between inpatients and outpatients. Further research is needed to evaluate the safety of outpatient induction of labor with misoprostol.

A randomized controlled trial comparing combined medical and mechanical method for early mid-trimester abortion (13-20 weeks).

OBJECTIVE: To examine the combined effect of a medical and mechanical method on induction-to-abortion interval (IAI) in women undergoing early mid-trimester abortion (MTA) (13-20 weeks of pregnancy). METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among women undergoing MTA. Primary outcome was IAI. At enrollment, 60 women were randomized (group 1: medical method alone [mifepristone 200 mg, then 48 h later vaginal misoprostol 400 µg every 4 h] versus group 2: combined medical and mechanical method [transcervical Foley catheter inflated with 60 ml of normal saline]). Demographic and clinical data were collected at enrollment and abortion. RESULTS: Women in group 2 had statistically significantly shorter IAI (mean ± standard deviation: 347 ± 130 min vs. 640 ± 242 min, for group 2 and group 1, respectively; P < 0.001). All the women in group 2 had complete abortion within 12 h, compared with 19 (63%) in group 1 (P < 0.001). Median number of doses of vaginal misoprostol (400 µg every 4 h) required in group 1 was 4 (interquartile range [IQR] 3-5) versus 1 (IQR 1-3) in group 2 (P < 0.001). Statistically significantly fewer women required additional oxytocin (group 1 vs. group 2; 4 vs. zero, respectively, P = 0.038). All women in the study had complete abortion. There was no significant difference with respect to maternal complications. CONCLUSION: A combined medical and mechanical method significantly shortens the IAI (P < 0.001) in women undergoing early MTA (13-20 weeks of pregnancy). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trial Registry of India www.ctri.nic.in CTRI/2020/12/030077 (date; 28-12-2020).

Analysis of Variables that Influence the Success Rates of Induction of Labor with Misoprostol: A Retrospective Observational Study / Análise de variáveis que influenciam na taxa de sucesso da indução do parto com misoprostol: Um estudo observacional retrospectivo

Abstract Objective Determine the predictive criteria for success in inducing labor for live fetuses using misoprostol in pregnant women. Secondarily, the objective is to determine the rates of vaginal or cesarean delivery, duration of induction, interval of administration of misoprostol, the main causes of induction of labor and indication for operative delivery. Methods Medical records of 873 pregnant women admitted for cervical maturation from January 2017 to December 2018 were reviewed in a descriptive observational study of retrospective analysis, considering the following response variables: age, parity, Bishop Index, doses of misoprostol, labor induction time. Logistic regression models were used to predict success with misoprostol in non-operative deliveries. Results Of the 873 patients evaluated, 72% evolved with vaginal delivery, 23% of the cases were cesarean, 5% forceps or vacuum-extractor. For non-operative delivery the predictive variables at admission were age, parity, gestational age and dilation. During hospitalization, fewer vaginal touches,amniotomy or amniorrhexis with clear fluid lead to a shorter induction time and a greater chance of non-operative delivery. False positives and false negatives of the model were always below 50% and correct answers above 65%. Conclusion At admission, age less than 24 years, previous normal births, lower the gestational age and greater the dilation, were predictive of greater probability of nonoperative delivery. During hospitalization, the less vaginal touches and occurrence of amniotomy/amniorrhexis with clear liquid indicate shorter induction time. Future studies with a prospective design and analysis of other factors are necessary to assess the replicability, generalization of these findings.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar os critérios preditivos para o sucesso na indução do trabalho de parto para fetos vivos utilizando misoprostol em gestantes. Em segundo lugar, o objetivo é determinar as taxas de parto vaginal ou cesáreo, duração da indução, intervalo de administração de misoprostol, as principais causas de indução do trabalho de parto e indicação para parto operatório. Métodos Foram revisados os prontuários de 873 gestantes internadas para amadurecimento cervical entre janeiro de 2017 e dezembro de 2018 em um estudo descritivo observacional de análise retrospectiva, considerando as variáveis-resposta: idade, paridade, Índice de Bishop, doses de misoprostol, tempo de indução do trabalho de parto. Modelos de regressão logística foram utilizados para prever o sucesso com misoprostol em partos não operatórios. Resultados Dos 873 pacientes avaliados, 72% evoluíram com parto vaginal, 23% dos casos foram cesáreos, 5% fórceps ou vácuo-extrator. Para o parto não operatório as variáveis preditivas na internação foram idade, paridade, idade gestacional e dilatação. Durante a internação, um menor número de toques vaginais, amniotomia ou amniorrexe com líquido claro, levam a menor tempo de indução e maior chance de parto não operatório. Falsos positivos e falsos negativos do modelo sempre foram inferiores a 50% e respostas corretas acima de 65%. Conclusão Na internação, idade menor que 24 anos, ocorrência de partos normais anteriores, menor idade gestacional e maior dilatação, foram preditivos de maior probabilidade de parto não-operatório. Durante a internação, o menor número de toques vaginais, amniotomia/amniorrexe com líquido claro indicam menor tempo de indução. Estudos futuros com design prospectivo e análise de outros fatores são necessários para avaliar a replicabilidade, generalização desses achados.

Sublingual Misoprostol versus Oxytocin to Induce Labor in Term Premature Rupture of Membranes in Pregnant Women: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes between sublingual misoprostol and oxytocin on stimulating labor in term premature rupture of membranes (PROM) in pregnant women. Materials and method. This randomized single-blind control trial was conducted at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital (BAH), Royal Thai Air Force, Bangkok, Thailand, between September 2020 and February 2021. Subjects were term pregnant women who had PROM and came to BAH for delivery. Participants were allocated into study (misoprostol) and control (oxytocin) groups. The study and control groups were, respectively, administered sublingual misoprostol and intravenous oxytocin to induce labor. Induction time and second stage of labor were recorded. Neonatal outcomes and maternal and fetal complications were also recorded and analyzed. RESULT: A total of 170 women were enrolled and equally divided into study and control groups. Mean maternal age, body mass index, parity, gestational age, and bishop score of both groups were comparable. Induction time of the study group was statistically shorter than the control group (338 and 399 min, respectively). Duration of active phase (450/427 min) and the second stage (19/21 min) of labor between study and control groups were not significantly different. Cesarean section delivery rate of study was lower than the control group (13.3 and 28.8%, p = 0.002). Intrapartum complications, neonatal outcomes, and intra- and postpartum complications among both groups were not significantly differentiated. There was no instance of postpartum hemorrhage or uterine rupture in the present study. CONCLUSION: Induction time and cesarean section rates of sublingual misoprostol group were significantly lower than the intravenous oxytocin group in full-term PROM pregnancy.

Prospective observational study investigating the effectiveness, safety, women's experiences and quality of life at 3 months regarding cervical ripening methods for induction of labor at term-The MATUCOL study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The purposes of successful induction of labor (IOL) are to shorten the time for IOL to delivery, increase the vaginal delivery rate, and reduce the rate of maternal and neonatal morbidity. In cases of unfavorable cervix (Bishop score <6), cervical ripening is advised to improve vaginal delivery rate. It may be initiated by mechanical (double balloon catheter (DBC), synthetic osmotic dilator) or pharmacologic (prostaglandins) methods, and the problem is complex due to the multitude of cervical ripening methods. We are constantly looking for the optimal protocol of cervical ripening for each woman. The present study aims to elucidate whether cervical ripening method is associated with increase rate of vaginal delivery, good women's experience and unaltered long-term quality of life after cervical ripening at term regarding maternal and obstetric characteristics. METHODS AND DESIGN: The MATUCOL study is a monocentric, prospective, observational study of all consecutive women who required cervical ripening (Bishop score <6) using different methods (DBC, vaginal dinoprostone, oral misoprostol) with a live fetus at term (≥37 weeks) between January 2020 and August 2021. The outcomes will be mode of delivery, maternal and neonatal morbidity, discomfort/pain assessments during cervical ripening, women's experience and satisfaction, and the impact of cervical ripening on the health-related quality of life at 3 months. If it reports a significant efficacy/safety/perinatal morbidity/women's satisfaction/quality of life at 3 months post-delivery associated with a method of cervical ripening in a specific situation (gestational and/or fetal disease) using a multivariate analysis, its use should be reconsidered in clinical practice. DISCUSSION: This study will reveal that some cervical ripening methods will be more effectiveness, safe, with good women's experiences and QOL at 3 months compared to others regarding maternal and obstetric characteristics. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study is being performed at La Roche sur Yon Hospital following registration as GNEDS on January 8, 2020.

Reproductive outcome after early miscarriage: comparing vaginal misoprostol treatment with expectant management in a planned secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the reproductive outcome after early miscarriage between women managed expectantly and those treated with vaginal misoprostol. METHODS: This study was a planned secondary analysis of data collected prospectively in a randomized controlled trial comparing expectant management with vaginal misoprostol treatment (single dose of 800 µg) in women with early embryonic or anembryonic miscarriage and vaginal bleeding. The outcome measures were the number of women with a clinical pregnancy conceived within 14 months after complete miscarriage and the outcome of these pregnancies in terms of live birth, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and legal termination of pregnancy. The participants replied to a questionnaire sent by post covering their reproductive history ≤ 14 months after the index miscarriage was complete. Supplementary information and data for women who did not return their questionnaire were retrieved from medical records. RESULTS: Of 94 women randomized to misoprostol treatment and 95 allocated to expectant management, 94 and 90 women, respectively, were included for analysis. Information on reproductive outcome was available for 89/94 (95%) and 83/90 (92%) women, respectively. Complete miscarriage without surgical evacuation was achieved within 31 days in 85% (76/89) of the women in the misoprostol group and in 65% (54/83) of those managed expectantly. The proportion of women treated with surgical evacuation was 33% (27/83) in the expectant-management group vs 12% (11/89) in the misoprostol group. At 14 months after the index miscarriage was complete, 75% (67/89) of women treated with misoprostol and 75% (62/83) of those managed expectantly had achieved at least one clinical pregnancy, while 40% (36/89) and 35% (29/83), respectively, had had at least one live birth (mean difference, 5.5% (95% CI, -9.7 to 20.3%)). When considering the outcome of all pregnancies conceived within 14 months after the index miscarriage was complete, 63% (56/89) of women in the misoprostol group and 55% (46/83) of those in the expectant-management group delivered a live baby after a pregnancy (mean difference, 7.5% (95% CI, -7.9 to 22.4%)). CONCLUSION: Women with early miscarriage can be reassured that fertility is similar after misoprostol treatment and expectant management. © 2021 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

NSAIDs, gastrointestinal toxicity and inflammatory bowel disease. / AINE, toxicidad gastrointestinal y enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.

Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are currently one of the most widely used drugs. The use of NSAIDs is associated with gastrointestinal toxicity, affecting both upper gastrointestinal tract (peptic ulcer disease) and lower gastrointestinal tract (NSAID-induced enteropathy). NSAIDs use has been associated with an increased risk of clinical relapse in inflammatory bowel disease patients. In this article, we review the upper and lower gastrointestinal toxicity of NSAIDs, with a focus on the risks and specific data of these drugs in inflammatory bowel disease patients, giving recommendations for its appropriate use in the clinical practice. Although evidence is scarce, short-term use of NSAIDs appears to be safe, and the data available suggest that selective COX-2 inhibitors are the safer option. NSAIDs should be avoided as long-term treatment or with high doses, especially in patients with active inflammation.

Effectiveness of self-managed medication abortion with accompaniment support in Argentina and Nigeria (SAFE): a prospective, observational cohort study and non-inferiority analysis with historical controls.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trials have established the high effectiveness and safety of medication abortion in clinical settings. However, barriers to clinical abortion care have shifted most medication abortion use to out-of-clinic settings, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Given this shift, we aimed to estimate the effectiveness of self-managed medication abortion (medication abortion without clinical support), and to compare it to effectiveness of clinician-managed medication abortion. METHODS: For this prospective, observational cohort study, we recruited callers from two safe abortion accompaniment groups in Argentina and Nigeria who requested information on self-managed medication abortion. Before using one of two medication regimens (misoprostol alone or in combination with mifepristone), participants completed a baseline survey, and then two follow-up phone surveys at 1 week and 3 weeks after taking pills. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants reporting a complete abortion without surgical intervention. Legal restrictions precluded enrolment of a concurrent clinical control group; thus, a non-inferiority analysis compared abortion completion among those in our self-managed medication abortion cohort with abortion completion reported in historical clinical trials using the same medication regimens, restricted to participants with pregnancies of less than 9 weeks' gestation. This study was registered with ISCRTN, ISRCTN95769543. FINDINGS: Between July 31, 2019, and April 27, 2020, we enrolled 1051 participants. We analysed abortion outcomes for 961 participants, with an additional 47 participants reached after the study period. Most pregnancies were less than 12 weeks' duration. Participants in follow-up self-managed their abortions using misoprostol alone (593 participants) or the combined regimen of misoprostol plus mifepristone (356 participants). At last follow-up, 586 (99%) misoprostol alone users and 334 (94%) combined regimen users had a complete abortion without surgical intervention. For those with pregnancies of less than 9 weeks' gestation, both regimens were non-inferior to medication abortion effectiveness in clinical settings. INTERPRETATION: Findings from this prospective cohort study show that self-managed medication abortion with accompaniment group support is highly effective and, for those with pregnancies of less than 9 weeks' gestation, non-inferior to the effectiveness of clinician-managed medication abortion administered in a clinical setting. These findings support the use of remote self-managed models of early abortion care, as well as telemedicine, as is being considered in several countries because of the COVID-19 pandemic. FUNDING: David and Lucile Packard Foundation. TRANSLATIONS: For the Arabic, French, Bahasa Indonesian, Spanish and Yoruba translations of the Article see Supplementary Materials section.

Abordaje integral de la Interrupción Voluntaria del Embarazo: (segunda entrega) / Comprehensive approach to the voluntary interruption of pregnancy: (second issue)

La legalización de la interrupción voluntaria del embarazo ha transformado la práctica médica con respecto a la atención de las pacientes que desean interrumpir la gestación hasta la semana 14 en Argentina. En la primera entrega, el equipo PROFAM compartió su punto de vista a través de una adaptación de su material educativo destinado, sobre todo, a aclarar los aspectos legales que hacen a la práctica cotidiana. En esta entrega se desarrolla en detalle el procedimiento para realizar un aborto farmacológico con misoprostol y mifepristona, así como las generalidades del aspirado manual endouterino. (AU)

The legalization of voluntary termination of pregnancy has transformed medical practice regarding the care of patients who wish to terminate a pregnancy up to 14 weeks in Argentina. In the first issue, the PROFAM team shared its point of view through an adaptation of its educational material aimed, above all, at clarifying the legal aspects of daily practice. In this issue, the procedure to perform a pharmacological abortion with misoprostol and mifepristone is developed in detail, as well as the generalities of manual uterine aspiration technique. (AU)

A descriptive study of healthcare-providers' experiences with the use and quality of oxytocin for the prevention of post-partum hemorrhage in Nigeria: A nation-wide survey.

BACKGROUND: Oxytocin is recommended as an affordable and effective drug in the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage-one of the leading causes of maternal morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries, however, there are concerns about its proper use and quality. This study builds on earlier work conducted in a South-Western state in Nigeria. OBJECTIVE: The study assessed the knowledge around oxytocin, usage, storage practices and perceived quality of oxytocin used by healthcare providers that directly administer oxytocin for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage across Nigeria. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that surveyed a representative sample of 6,299 healthcare providers who offer obstetrics and gynecological services and recruited from 1,894 healthcare facilities in Public and Private sectors in 12 states across Nigeria. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire, analyzed using SPSS, and presented in frequencies and percentages. RESULTS: Only forty-six percent of respondents (52.8% in private; 40.0% in public sector) had proper knowledge that oxytocin storage is in the refrigerator. Proper knowledge also varied by professional cadre, doctors (71.2%); nurses (46.6%); Community Health Workers (28.4%) and by years of experience, less than 10 years (51.4%); more than 10 years (40.8%). Only 34% of the respondents (41% in private and 27.5% in public sector) reported good practices that oxytocin is stored in the refrigerator in their facilities. Most healthcare providers used oxytocin for prevention of PPH (77.9%). Oxytocin was also used for augmentation (66.7%) and induction of labor (52.6%). Half of respondents used above the WHO-recommended oxytocin dose of 10IU for prevention of PPH. Twenty-three percent of respondents reported experiencing oxytocin failure in PPH prevention of whom, 54.3% changed to another uterotonic and 37.1% doubled the dose of oxytocin for their patients. CONCLUSION: Our study findings should be used to establish clinical guidelines and trainings for healthcare providers to improve their knowledge and storage practices and use to safeguard the quality of these lifesaving medicines.

Labor induction with randomized comparison of cervical, oral and intravaginal misoprostol.

BACKGROUND: This study attempts to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of 50µgm intracervical misoprostol in comparison with intravaginal and sublingual for the induction of labor at term pregnant women. METHODS: This study is designed as a parallel clinical trial study. Three hundred and fifteen term pregnancies requiring induction of labor were treated with the maximum used misoprostol intracervical, sublingual, and vaginal doses. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups of 105. The dose was repeated every 4 h until adequate uterine contraction and Bishop Score were achieved. The duration of induction to births, time to the active phase, the rate of births, and the need for caesarean section were compared in three groups. Additionally, labor course and side effects were recorded and analyzed. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. A significance level of p <  0.05 was considered for statistical analyses. FINDINGS: Labor was successfully induced in all cases most (63%) of which required a single dose of misoprostol. Ninety-three (93.0%, p <  0.05) cervical participants proceeded to vaginal births. This figure was also the same in the vaginal and sublingual group of 83 cases (83.0%). The other 41 cases received caesarean section with more indications of failure to progress and meconium-stained liquor. The results indicated that 278 (92.7%) births were achieved in less than 10 h. Time from start of medication to the active phase of labor and childbirth was 3.01 ± 0.86 and 6.1 ± 1.3 h in the Cervical group, 4.2 ± 0.66 and 8.4 ± 0.92 h in the sublingual group, and 5.06 ± 1.1 and 9.2 ± 1.5 h in the vaginal group respectively (p < 0.001). The Caesarean rate was lower in the cervical group than in the two other groups (p = 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the study groups in terms of Apgar score and meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Furthermore, no maternal and neonatal complications were observed. CONCLUSION: In addition to the sublingual and intravaginal routes of administration, intracervical misoprostol at a single dose of 50µgm appears to be an effective method for induction of labor in women with an unfavorable cervix. Like all medical interventions, a discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives to induction of labor with this medication in each woman should be undertaken before treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical study was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials with IRCT ID: IRCT20190415043278N1 . Registration date was on May 13, 2019 and May 27, 2019 respectively ( http://www.irct.ir ).