Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Following Induction of Labour with Misoprostol

RESUMO

Background: Disseminated Intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) has been reported following use of Misoprostol which is an old drug with new indications in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Its effectiveness; low cost; stability in tropical conditions and ease of administration as well as side effects like gastrointestinal effect; uterine rupture and post partum haemorrhage (PPH) have been documented. Method: This is to report a case of disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC) associated with use of misoprostol for induction of labour and to call for extra vigilance in its use.Result: This was a case of 22-year old gravida 2 para 1 at 42 weeks gestation that was induced with 100?g of isoprostol and delivered a live female baby with good Apgar score. She subsequently developed PPH and epistaxis simultaneously; then conjunctival haemorrhage 30 minutes later. She was managed with fresh whole blood and had a satisfactory recovery. Conclusion: Life threatening complication could result from use of Misoprostol. More research and high index of suspicion are needed to establish the association of prostaglandins with DIC