Intra-amniotic digoxin for feticide between 21 and 30 weeks of gestation: a prospective study

Abstract

Objective: Intra-amniotic injection of digoxin is a well-known method for feticide before inducing a termination of pregnancy (TOP) at 17-24 weeks of gestation. Information on its effectiveness when administered after 24 weeks of gestation is limited. This study evaluated the efficacy of intra-amniotic digoxin injection for inducing fetal demise within 18-24 hours, at 21-30 weeks of gestation, and its safety.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Tertiary university medical centre.

Population: Women at 21-30 weeks of gestation with a singleton pregnancy, admitted for TOP.

Methods: Intra-amniotic injection of 2 mg of digoxin was performed 1 day before medical TOP. Fetal heart activity was evaluated by ultrasound for 18-24 hours after the injection. Serum digoxin level and maternal electrocardiogram (ECG) were evaluated 6, 10, and 20 hours after injection.

Main outcome measure: Frequency of successful fetal demise.

Results: Fifty-nine women participated in the study. The mean gestational age was 24⁺² weeks (range 21⁺⁰ -30⁺⁰ ), with 29 (49.2%) beyond 24⁺⁰ weeks of gestation. Fetal cardiac activity arrest was achieved in 55/59 cases (93.2%). Normal maternal ECG recordings were noted in all cases. Mean serum digoxin levels 6 and 10 hours after injection were in the therapeutic range (1.3 ± 0.7 ng/l and 1.24 ± 0.49 ng/l, respectively) and below the toxic level (2 ng/l). Extramural delivery following digoxin did not occur. There were no cases of chorioamnionitis.

Conclusion: Intra-amniotic digoxin for feticide at 21-30 weeks of gestation in a singleton pregnancy appears effective and safe before TOP at advanced gestational ages.

Tweetable abstract: This study shows that feticide by intra-amniotic digoxin injection at 21-30 weeks of gestation appears effective and safe.

Keywords: Digoxin; fetal demise; medical termination of pregnancy; second trimester; termination of pregnancy.