title: Effectiveness of Misoprostol for Induction of First-Trimester Miscarriages: Experience at a single tertiary care centre in Oman.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Non-invasive methods of inducing a miscarriage are now considered an effective alternative to surgical evacuation (dilatation and curettage). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of misoprostol in the termination of first-trimester miscarriages.
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective study was conducted between October 2009 and September 2010 and assessed all patients admitted to the Royal Hospital in Muscat, Oman, for the termination of first-trimester miscarriages during the study period. All patients received misoprostol and the rates of successful termination were measured. Patient satisfaction was assessed using a short questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 290 women were included in the study. Termination with misoprostol was successful in 61.38% of the subjects. Of the remaining subjects requiring additional surgical evacuation (n = 112), 58.93% required evacuation due to failed termination with misoprostol and 65.18% underwent early evacuation (≤24 hours since their last misoprostol dose). The majority of patients experienced no side-effects due to misoprostol (89.66%). Pain was controlled with simple analgesics in 70.00% of the subjects. A high satisfaction rate (94.83%) with the misoprostol treatment was reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Misoprostol was a well-tolerated drug which reduced the rate of surgical evacuation among the study subjects. This medication can therefore be used safely in the management of incomplete miscarriages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors.forename: Qamariya
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Ambusaidi
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman.
authors.forename: Anita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zutshi
keywords: Dilation and Curettage; First Trimester Pregnancy; Incomplete Abortion; Miscarriage; Misoprostol; Oman