A randomized trial of saline solution-moistened misoprostol versus dry misoprostol for first-trimester pregnancy failure.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to estimate whether the efficacy of treatment with intravaginal misoprostol for first-trimester pregnancy failure is enhanced by the addition of saline solution.


METHODS
Eighty women with embryonic/fetal death or anembryonic pregnancy were assigned randomly to receive either 800 microg of misoprostol with saline solution (group I, 41 women) or without (group II, 39 women). Treatment was repeated on day 3 if the gestational sac remained. Curettage was performed if the gestational sac remained on day 8 or as necessary during at least 30 days of follow-up. Data were analyzed with the Student t test and the chi(2) or Fisher exact test.


RESULTS
By the first follow-up visit, 73% (group I) and 64% (group II) of women passed the gestational sac (P=.38). By the second follow-up visit, expulsion rates were 83% and 87%, respectively (P=.59). Five subjects in each group underwent curettage.


CONCLUSIONS
Misoprostol is effective for the treatment of failed first-trimester pregnancy. The expulsion rate is not improved by adding saline solution.
University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
Jerry M
JM
Gilles
Mitchell D
MD
Creinin
Kurt
K
Barnhart
Carolyn
C
Westhoff
Margaret M
MM
Frederick
Jun
J
Zhang
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D000030:Abortion, Missed / Q000139:chemically induced; D000022:Abortion, Spontaneous / Q000139:chemically induced*; D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D005260:Female; D005313:Fetal Death; D006801:Humans; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D016595:Misoprostol; D012965:Sodium Chloride