Early medical abortion with a single vaginal dose of
misoprostol is an effective method?
N. Salakos, D. Botsis, G. Detsis, A. Kountouris, O. Grigoriou, G.
Creatsas
2nd University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Athens Medical School, Aretaieion Hospital, Division of Family Planning, Greece
Introduction: In Greece the number of abortions, seems to
be increased in comparison with other European countries. The method mainly in
use, is surgical vacuum aspiration. The use of misoprostol offers an alternative,
non-invasive method for termination of pregnancy.
Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of a single vaginal
dose of 800mg misoprostol for termination of early, unwanted pregnancy, in
outpatient management.
Methods: 92 young women diagnosed for early pregnancy (49–63
days), meeting the criteria for enrollment and wishing to terminate their
pregnancies, were informed about the method, evaluated and planed for a single
vaginal administration of 800 mg misoprostol.
Results: In group A (n=79 /85.86%), complete abortion was
recorded. In group B (n=4 /4.3%), the pregnancy continued and surgical vacuum
aspiration was required. In group C (n=7 /7.6%), incomplete abortion was
revealed and in those cases the dose was repeated with successful results. In
two cases (2.2%), missed abortion was recorded. Repeating vaginal application of
misoprostol, resulted in complete termination of pregnancy. Vaginal bleeding
appeared on a mean time of 6–8 hours and had a duration of a mean 9 days.
Evaluation of b-hCG on days 3rd, 7th and 14th revealed a fast drop of 98,4% in
group A, 87,3% in group C and 21,8% in the cases with missed abortion. All cases
were followed-up with transvaginal U/S on days 3,7 and 14.Recording the side
effects of the method, mild pelvic pain was reported in 69% of the cases, nausea
in 18,4%, fever 438 C in one case and headache in 14,1%. No diarrhea episodes
were reported.
Conclusions: One single vaginal dose of misoprostol,
seems to be an effective method for early medical abortion.
