High-dose misoprostol as an alternative therapy after failed medical abortion.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the complete abortion rate for the vaginal administration of high-dose misoprostol after a failed medical abortion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: When their medical abortions failed after the conventional oral administration of mifepristone and misoprostol, participants then received 1,000 microg of misoprostol vaginally. The efficacy and side effects of this treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-seven women who failed to abort after the conventional administration of mifepristone and misoprostol were enrolled in this trial. Fourteen days after the vaginal administration of 1,000 microg misoprostol, the overall complete expulsion rate had reached 88.8% (24/27). Most adverse effects were mild to moderate and did not require treatment. CONCLUSION: The vaginal administration of 1,000 microg misoprostol as a salvage therapy after a failed medical abortion appears to be a safe and highly effective alternative to surgical intervention.