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

Abstract

          A prospective 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. Pregnant women with ultrasonographically diagnosed embryonic/fetal death during first trimester in Samutsakhon hospital from January 1^st , 2003 to June 30^th , 2004 were recruited to study. All subjects were treated with 200 micrograms misoprostol, intravaginally every 24 hours (maximum - 3 doses), until abortions occurred. 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.