Second trimester abortion with 5% intraamniotic saline--a pilot study.
The risk of hypernatremia and related postabortion complications resulting from the intraamniotic administration of a 20-25% hypertonic saline solution, a widely used procedure all over the world, prompted this trial of 5% saline. Midtrimester abortion was induced in 150 women with a 5% saline solution administered intraamniotically at the National Medical College, Calcutta, India, from August 1974 to October 1975. The abortion was complete within 48 hours in 90% of the cases. All the fetuses were delivered dead. In one case, hysterotomy was performed because of severe bleeding. The immediate complication rate was 36% (12% serious). The follow-up complication rate was 2%. One patient died on the seventh postabortal day due to severe, uncontrolled septicemia. The authors conclude that because this procedure is simple and low cost and because it reduces the risk of hypernatremia it should be a welcome addition to service programs in developing countries.
Second trimester abortion with 5% intraamniotic saline--a pilot study. The risk of hypernatremia and related postabortion complications resulting from the intraamniotic administration of a 20-25% hypertonic saline solution, a widely used procedure all over the world, prompted this trial of 5% saline. Midtrimester abortion was induced in 150 women with a 5% saline solution administered intraamniotically at the National Medical College, Calcutta, India, from August 1974 to October 1975. The abortion was complete within 48 hours in 90% of the cases. All the fetuses were delivered dead. In one case, hysterotomy was performed because of severe bleeding. The immediate complication rate was 36% (12% serious). The follow-up complication rate was 2%. One patient died on the seventh postabortal day due to severe, uncontrolled septicemia. The authors conclude that because this procedure is simple and low cost and because it reduces the risk of hypernatremia it should be a welcome addition to service programs in developing countries.