Evaluation of intramuscular sulprostone and vacuum aspiration for termination of early pregnancy.

The results of a comparative study of the efficacy and acceptability of sulprostone administered intramuscularly and vacuum aspiration for termination of very early pregnancy is reported. The period of amenorrhoea varied from 35 to 45 days with a positive pregnancy test. Group A (20 cases) received intramuscular sulprostone in doses of 500 micrograms and 1000 micrograms 4 hours apart without any pre-treatment. The success rate was 85%. Group B (20 cases) underwent vacuum aspiration with 100% success rate. Incidence of vomiting was comparable in both groups. Severe abdominal cramps/pain occurred in 11% following sulprostone administration. No immediate serious complication occurred. Estimation of serum HCG was done before sulprostone administration and 2 weeks later. A decline was noted 2 weeks post-treatment in successful cases, thus confirming the effectiveness of the therapy.