The Effect of Adding Vaginal Evening Primrose Oil to Misoprostol During induced abortion; A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: Missed abortion, significant birth defects, and some women’s decision not to carry a pregnancy to term are all reasons for mid-trimester pregnancy termination. The aim of this work was to assess evening primrose oil’s (EPO) effect on the duration of induction of abortion.

Methods: This prospective registered, randomized controlled study included 144 women in their missed abortion singleton mid-trimester of pregnancy (14 - 28 weeks). The assignment was random to one of two equal groups. Group I: received 200 mcg Misoprostol and EPO. Group II: received Misoprostol only. The induction to onset of cervical dilatation time was the primary outcome.

Results: Temperature was insignificantly different in all times of measurements except at 48 h, it was significantly lower in group I compared to group II. Pulse was significantly lower in group I compared to group II at all times of measurements. Pain was insignificantly different at all times of measurements between both groups except at 8 (h), 24 (h) and 48 (h), it was in group I significantly lower than group II.

Conclusion: In women with second trimester missed abortion, vaginal administration of EPO with misoprostol had no additional significant effect on duration of induction of delivery, duration to cervical dilatation, maternal satisfaction, vaginal bleeding, fetal expulsion, and surgical removal of placenta.