Publication:

Medication abortion in missed abortion up to 13 weeks amenorrhoea: a prospective study

Background Missed abortion is a type of abortion in which the dead fetus is retained within the uterus. The objective of the study was to find out whether the use of medication abortion is safe and effective in termination of missed abortion up to 13 weeks of pregnancy.

Methods This study was conducted in a tertiary care center as a prospective study, for a period of 24 months from April 2013 to March 2014. Sample size consisted of 150 cases of missed abortion up to 13 weeks of pregnancy which was confirmed by ultrasound. These patients were given medication abortion and was followed up for complications viz., pain, excessive bleeding, need for surgical evacuation, rupture uterus, infection and coagulopathy.

Results In the present study, 16 % required surgical evacuation. The common complications were pain (8%), nausea and vomiting (4.7%), low grade fever (3.3%), excessive bleeding (6%). There were no cases of rupture uterus or coagulopathy, or infections.

Conclusions Medication abortion is a safe and effective method for the termination of missed abortion up to 13 weeks of pregnancy with fewer complications thus reducing the need for surgical methods.