Propranolol and Misoprostol versus Misoprostol Only for Induction of Abortion during Second Trimester of Pregnancy: Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

T his Randomized Controlled Trial was done at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital between February 2017 and July 2017 and included 40 pregnant ladies between 16-24 weeks gestation admitted to the labor ward for termination of pregnancy for various indication. They were divided into two groups. The study group (20 patients) received propranolol (20mg) plus misoprostol and the control group received misoprostol only plus placebo. The results of this study were as follows: (1) The two groups were similar as regards demographic characteristics in terms of age in years, body mass index, parity and gestational age in weeks. (2) The induction contraction interval defined as the time in hours between the start of induction and the onset of contractions was significantly shorter in the study group as compared to the control group (P=0.025). (3) The induction abortion interval defined as the time in hours for the expulsion of the fetus with or without placenta was significantly shorter among the study group as compared to the control group (P=0.031). (4) The total misoprostol dose used was significantly lower in the study group as compared to the control group. (5) Successful induction within 24 hours was not significantly more frequent among the study group as compared to the control group (6) Surgical evacuation was not statistically significant between the two groups. (7) Misoprostol adverse effects were not of statistical significance between the two groups. (8) Propranolol adverse effects were not statistically significant between the two groups, still clinically significant as cases of bradycardia, hypotension, muscle weakness and headache were observed but they were not severe and they did not last for long time.