Management of first trimester missed miscarriage with minimal surgical intervention

ABSTRACT

To observe the efficacy of Prostaglandin E1 analogue [misoprostol] in management of 1st trimester missed miscarriage. Observational study The study was done from June 2005 to June 2007 at Pakistan Railway Hospital Rawalpindi All patients presenting with 1st trimester missed miscarriage excluding suspected ectopic pregnancy, massive vaginal bleeding at admission, previous 3 scars, severe anaemia, history of handling before and history of bleeding disorders were subjected to the 1000 microgram regime of oral misoprotol in divided doses in 6 hours 400 micrograms orally stat and then 200 microgram 2 hourly 3 doses. After informed counselling and consent of the patient, a detailed Pelvic scan, blood complete picture, Hepatitis screening, blood sugar random and blood group was done. The patients were hospitalized and counselled as soon as first dose was given. The main outcome measures which were evaluated were complete abortion, incomplete abortion, severe haemorrhage, gastro-intestinal disturbances like nausea / Vomiting and any surgical intervention, if required like dilatation and curettage and evaculation and curettage. A total of 100 women were recruited to this study, 97% patients completed the 6 hours dosage regime and 3% patients expelled completely after initial doses. In 30% patients' evacuation was done which means that no cervical dilatation was required and the time of surgery/general anaesthesia was less than 6 minutes on average. Nausea and vomiting were seen in only 6% patients but considered as tolerable and transient. Only 1% patient had heavy bleeding and required an emergency evacuation, histopathology of which revealed molar tissue. None of them required blood transfusion. Majority of patients had no side effects. Patient satisfaction with oral misoprostol treatment was high, as many participants reported that they would prefer the same treatment if they have another miscarriage. Medical management of missed abortion is effective, reduces the need of dilatation and curettage, and is associated with high levels of patient satisfaction