Incomplete miscarriage: a randomized controlled trial comparing oral with vaginal misoprostol for medical evacuation.
BACKGROUND
A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the efficacy and side-effects of vaginal versus oral misoprostol in the medical management of incomplete miscarriage.


METHODS
Two hundred and one patients who miscarried consented to randomization using computer-generated randomization model prior to treatment. A total of 800 microg of misoprostol was given either vaginally or orally to the randomized subjects. A second dose was repeated 4 h later if the product of conception had not been passed.


RESULTS
The incidence of complete uterine evacuation following vaginal and oral misoprostol was similar [(58/95) 61.1% versus (67/103) 64.4%]. There was a significantly decreased incidence of diarrhoea [(12/95) 13.6% versus (62/103) 65.3%, P < 0.01] with the use of vaginal misoprostol.


CONCLUSIONS
Vaginal misoprostol was as effective as oral misoprostol in medical uterine evacuation in patients with incomplete miscarriage. There was also a reduction in the incidence of diarrhoea with the use of vaginal misoprostol.
Pang
M W
MW
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong SAR. mwpang@cuhk.edu.hk
Lee
T S
TS
Chung
T K
TK
D000027:Abortion, Incomplete / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017699:Pelvic Pain; D011247:Pregnancy
D016595:Misoprostol