Effectiveness of Vaginal Misoprostol in the Termination of First Trimester Pregnancy with Embryonic/Fetal Death

Abstract

          A retrospective descriptive study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness, side effects and complications of vaginal misoprostol in the termination of first trimester pregnancy with embryonic/fetal death. In-patient pregnant women with ultrasonographically diagnosed embryonic/fetal death during first trimester that treated by vaginal misoprostol in Samutsakhon hospital from January 1^st, 2003 to June 30^th , 2004 were studied by medical record review. Success rate of treatment was 88.0%. Mean induction -abortion time in successful subjects was 24.5 ± 17.8 hours. Only 8.0% of subjects experienced minor side effects. In conclusion, such treatment was highly effective, convenient, inexpensive and safe for termination of first trimester pregnancy with embryonic/fetal death. The treatment appeared to be useful in decreasing the need for dilatation & curettage and may also prevent complications from such procedure. Otherwise, further study about optimal doses & interval of treatment should be investigated.