Rupture of unscarred uterus following misoprostol use in late pregnancy: A report of two cases.

INTRODUCTION

There is evidence of increasing use of misoprostol for induction of labour in low-income countries, but fewer reports of rupture of the uterus on account of its misuse.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We report two cases of uterine rupture in two pregnant women referred to our centre due to the inadvertent administration of high doses of misoprostol in peripheral health centres. Both patients had hysterectomies, multiple blood transfusions and intrauterine fetal deaths.

DISCUSSION

Uterine rupture is a grave obstetric emergency with associated adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. It is now almost unheard of in developed countries and is usually a consequence of inappropriate labour and delivery interventions in low and middle-income countries. Uterine rupture represents a catastrophe that can result from the injudicious use of high doses of misoprostol in late pregnancy especially in unscarred uteri.

CONCLUSION

Both cases highlight the dangers of the use of high doses of misoprostol and the need for the training of health workers on the appropriate use of the drug.