Legal termination of pregnancy at the Kenyatta National Hospital using prostaglandin F2 alpha in mid trimester.

Abstract

This study describes 58 cases of legal termination of pregnancy done in the acute gynaecology ward, Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), Nairobi, over a 4 year period. The ward handles 20-40 new cases of incomplete abortion daily. Patients in the midtrimester received extra-amniotic or inter-amniotic prostaglandins (PGF2 alpha). Most of the patients were young, single and primigravid. Most terminations were requested for on psychosocial grounds. The mean induction-delivery time with PGF2 alpha was 16.6 hours. Age, parity and gestation influenced this interval. The mean hospital stay was 3-5 days. Minor complications were recorded in 19.2% of the patients. Instillation of PGF2 alpha, particularly by extra-amniotic route seems to be safe and sufficient in our environment. It is recommended for use in developing countries.