Evaluation of intravaginal misoprostol for medical management of pregnancies less than 20 weeks of gestation with absent cardiac activity.

Aim: To assess the efficacy and side-effects of misoprostol (800 microg used intravaginally) for terminating non-viable pregnancies up to 20 weeks of gestation.

Methods: Sixty five patients with non-viable pregnancies up to 20 weeks of gestation were given 800 microg misoprostol intravaginally on day 1. A second dose of 800 microg was repeated after 24 h if complete abortion was not attained with one dose. Primary outcome measure was success (defined as complete abortion in 48 h without surgical intervention). Duration and amount of blood loss, fall in hemoglobin, and other side-effects (pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills) were studied as secondary outcome measures.

Results: 73.8% of our patients had a gestational age
Conclusion: 800 microg vaginal misoprostol is an effective regimen for termination of non-viable pregnancies <20 weeks of gestation. It has minimal side-effects and avoids surgical intervention.