Oral misoprostol as an alternative to surgical management for incomplete abortion in Ghana.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether 600-μg oral misoprostol is an effective alternative to manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) for the treatment of incomplete abortion.


METHODS
From June 16, 2004, to July 20, 2005, 230 women of reproductive age presenting with incomplete abortion were randomized in an open-label trial to either 600-μg oral misoprostol or MVA for the treatment of incomplete abortion.


RESULTS
Regardless of the assigned method, more than 98% of participants experienced complete uterine evacuation following initial treatment. Efficacy, acceptability, and satisfaction ratings were similar and high for both methods.


CONCLUSIONS
600-μg oral misoprostol is a safe, effective, and acceptable alternative to MVA for the treatment of incomplete abortion.
Koforidua Regional Hospital, Koforidua, Ghana.
Joseph
J
Taylor
Ayisha
A
Diop
Jennifer
J
Blum
Obed
O
Dolo
Beverly
B
Winikoff
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000027:Abortion, Incomplete / Q000628:therapy*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005869:Ghana; D006801:Humans; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D014619:Vacuum Curettage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D016595:Misoprostol