Lamicel versus laminaria for cervical dilation before early second-trimester abortion: a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

Lamicel is a synthetic osmotic cervical dilator reported to work within two hours. To evaluate its efficacy and side effects, we conducted a double-blind, randomized clinical trial comparing Lamicel with multiple laminaria for cervical dilation in 219 patients before second-trimester abortion. A single Lamicel produced significantly less initial dilation (two-tailed P value = .03) than did multiple laminaria, but the techniques had comparable degrees of difficulty in subsequent dilation to 43 French units (two-tailed P value greater than .05) and rates of achieving dilation of 43 French units with rigid dilators (relative risk 1.0; 95% confidence interval 0.9-1.1). Lamicel removal resulted in a significantly lower rate of bleeding from the os (relative risk 0.3; 95% confidence interval 0.2-0.5). Because of its greater convenience, lower cost per patient, and comparable efficacy, Lamicel appears to be an attractive alternative to multiple laminaria for cervical dilation before abortion at 14-16 menstrual weeks' gestation.

• Authors: D A Grimes, I G Ray, C J Middleton
• Journal: Obstetrics and gynecology (Obstet Gynecol) Vol. 69 Issue 6 Pg. 887-90 (Jun 1987) ISSN: 0029-7844 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3554063 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Biocompatible Materials
• Lamicel
• Magnesium Sulfate
• Polyvinyl Alcohol

Topics

• Abortion, Induced (methods)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Biocompatible Materials
• Cervix Uteri (physiology)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Dilatation (adverse effects)
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Humans
• Laminaria
• Magnesium Sulfate (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Polyvinyl Alcohol (administration & dosage, adverse effects)
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Trimester, Second
• Random Allocation
• Seaweed