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Semin Reprod Med 2008; 26(5): 401-410
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1087106
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Medical Management of Early Pregnancy Failure: How to Treat and What to Expect

Angela Dempsey1 , Anne Davis2
  • 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
  • 2Columbia University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Family Planning, New York, New York
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
29 September 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Medical management is gaining acceptance as a treatment option for women with early pregnancy failure (EPF). We reviewed randomized trials comparing misoprostol for EPF with surgical (dilation and curettage) or expectant management. Overall, ~85% of women with EPF can expect complete uterine evacuation after one or two doses of 600 or 800 μg misoprostol without surgery. Medical management is safe. As with surgical therapy, serious complications are rare. Women undergoing medical management of EPF may expect moderate pain and bleeding for several days, which may persist for 2 weeks or longer. Side effects associated with misoprostol are common; however, acceptability of medical management remains high.

KEYWORDS

Early pregnancy failure - miscarriage - spontaneous abortion - incomplete abortion - misoprostol

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Angela DempseyM.D. 

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina

135 Cannon SF., 2nd fl., Charleston, SC 29425

Email: ard2117@columbia.edu

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