The use of misoprostol in outpatient treatment of abortions in the first quarter of pregnancy in Dakar

• Published in: International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology Vol. 6; no. 11; p. 4782
• Main Authors: Niang, M.M, Fall Augowet, N.A, Diallo, D, Thiam, M, Moreau, J.C, Cisse, C.T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology 01.11.2017
• Subjects: Abortion; Analysis; Comparative analysis; Dosage and administration; Health aspects; Misoprostol; Pregnancy; Treatment outcome; Vacuum curettage; Senegal
• ISSN: 2320-1770; 2320-1789
• DOI: 10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20174987

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of misoprostol comparing to MVA in support of abortion from the first quarter. Methods: This was a prospective, descriptive and analytical study (case-control study) made between January 1st and December 31st, 2015 in a level 1 maternity in Dakar. Results: The study included316 first trimester abortions (158 were treated with misoprostol and 158 with MVA). The epidemiological profile was a woman aged on average 28.5 years and nulliparous (37%). The mean gestational age was 8 weeks 6 days. The rate of complete uterine evacuation was comparable in both groups (93% for misoprostol versus 94.3%for MVA) with a non-significant p-value. Side effects found (40.8%) were minor. The hospital stay averaged two hours in the misoprostol group against 24 hours for MVA. Anaemia was more common in the MVA group (44.1%) than in the misoprostol group (23.6%) (p = 0.0006). The cost of treatment with misoprostol (5620 CFA francs) was on average four times less than that of MVA (21,623 CFA francs). Conclusions: Misoprostol can be seen as a credible alternative in the management of first quarter abortions because of its many advantages including its effectiveness, its easiness to be used in ambulatory, its low cost and safety. Keywords: MVA, Miscarriages, Misoprostol