Misoprostol for Treatment of Incomplete Abortion
Traditionally, treatment of incomplete abortion in the first trimester involves either curettage or vacuum aspiration. Though highly effective these surgical procedures require trained providers, special equipment, sterile conditions, and often anesthesia. In settings with limited access to skilled providers and well-equipped facilities, use of misoprostol for medical management of incomplete abortion is an attractive alternative. Research has demonstrated that medical management of incomplete abortion is safe, effective, has a low incidence of side effects, and is highly acceptable to women.
Compelling evidence of misoprostol’s successful use in incomplete abortion has led Gynuity to further research optimal doses and routes of misoprostol administration for this indication and to conduct feasibility studies in a range of settings. Geographically, Gynuity’s research has expanded to Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe/Former Soviet Union. Next steps will involve introducing misoprostol in rural settings and documenting its use in lower levels of the health care system.