High-Dose Misoprostol as An Alternative Therapy After Failed Medical Abortion

SUMMARYObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the complete abortion rate for the vaginal administration of high-dose misoprostol after a failed medical abortion.Materials and MethodsWhen their medical abortions failed after the conventional oral administration of mifepristone and misoprostol, participants then received 1,000 μg of misoprostol vaginally. The efficacy and side effects of this treatment were evaluated.ResultsTwenty-seven women who failed to abort after the conventional administration of mifepristone and misoprostol were enrolled in this trial. Fourteen days after the vaginal administration of 1,000 μg misoprostol, the overall complete expulsion rate had reached 88.8% (24/27). Most adverse effects were mild to moderate and did not require treatment.ConclusionThe vaginal administration of 1,000 μg misoprostol as a salvage therapy after a failed medical abortion appears to be a safe and highly effective alternative to surgical intervention.