Comparing Mifepristone with Misoprostol combination to Misoprostol alone for labour induction in antepartum stillbirth

Despite the advancement in thanatological research, stillbirth remains one of the most proscribed and misunderstood types of losses. Aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety of the combination of mifepristone and Misoprostol vs. Misoprostol alone for the induction of labor in antepartum stillbirth.

This study recruited fifty-two pregnant individuals at a gestational age beyond 28 weeks who had been diagnosed with antepartum stillbirth. Participants allocated to group I received an oral dose of 200 mg of Mifepristone. Subsequently, after a 24-hour interval, patients were administered 50 mcg of Misoprostol orally every 4 hours, up to a maximum of four doses. In contrast, participants in group II were provided with a placebo of Tablet Calcium (500mg). Following the same 24-hour interval, they received a dose of 50 mcg of Misoprostol orally every 4 hours, for a maximum of four doses.

The mean (standard deviation) induction-to-delivery interval (IDI) in group I and group II were 8.6 (1.9) and 11.9 (3.7) hours, respectively (p <0.001). In group I, the mean (SD) total dosage of Misoprostol was 65.4 (30.9) milligrams, whereas in group II, it was 126.9 (45.2) milligrams. A significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the total dosage of Misoprostol (p <0.001).

These results underscore the potential benefits of Mifepristone and Misoprostol in improving outcomes for individuals experiencing antepartum stillbirth. Further research is warranted to validate and expand upon these findings, with the ultimate goal of enhancing care and support for those affected by stillbirth.