A randomized controlled study comparing 600 versus 1,200 microg oral misoprostol for medical management of incomplete abortion.

OBJECTIVES

Although a number of studies have shown misoprostol's promise as a nonsurgical treatment for incomplete abortion, few have systematically examined treatment protocols. This study documents the effectiveness of 600 versus 1,200 microg oral misoprostol for this indication.

METHODS

From May 2002 to January 2003, 300 women with incomplete abortion were recruited at a large tertiary facility in Vietnam and randomized to either a single-dose (600 microg) or a repeated-dose (600 microg x 2) regimen of oral misoprostol for the treatment of their condition.

RESULTS

Misoprostol effectively evacuated the uterus for nearly all women (94.6%; n=279), with most reporting bleeding for 4 days (+/-2.3) and pain/cramps lasting 1 day (+/-1.0). Women indicated that the side effects were tolerable (96%) and that their experience was satisfactory (95%).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral misoprostol (600 or 1,200 microg) offers a safe, effective and acceptable treatment for incomplete abortion. Larger studies to assess the advantages and disadvantages of misoprostol as compared with standard surgical care are needed to assess its role in postabortion care programs worldwide.