A Study of Incomplete Abortion Following Medical Method of Abortion (MMA)

Abstract

Background Medical method of abortion (MMA) is a safe, efficient, and affordable method of abortion. However, incomplete abortion is a known side effect. Objective To study incomplete abortion due to medication abortion and compare to spontaneous incomplete abortion and to study referral practices and prescriptions in cases of incomplete abortion following MMA. Method Prospective observational study of 100 women with first trimester incomplete abortion, divided into two groups (spontaneous or following MMA), was administered a questionnaire which included information regarding onset of bleeding, treatment received, use of medications for abortion, its prescription, and administration. Comparison of two groups was done using Fisher exact test (SPSS 21.0 software). Results Thirty percent of incomplete abortions were seen following MMA; possible reasons being self-administration or prescription by unregistered practitioners, lack of examination, incorrect dosage and drugs, and lack of follow-up. Complications such as collapse, blood requirement, and fever were significantly higher in these patients compared to spontaneous abortion group. Conclusion The side effects of incomplete abortions following MMA can be avoided by the following standard guidelines. Self medication, over-the-counter use, and prescription by unregistered doctors should be discouraged and reported, and need of follow-up should be emphasized.

Incomplete abortion following medical method of abortion: study at a tertiary care teaching hospital at Bihar

“…In study of Pawde 63% of women taking MMA required BT but in study of Henderson, they found that though heavy bleeding was common, severe bleeding requiring blood transfusion was low. 4,8 In my study however, blood transfusion was required in 60% patients with average haemoglobin (Hb) 4-6 gm%.…”

“…As compared to 21.8% of Pawde et al, in my study majority of patients took the medicine over the counter or advised by quacks (88%). 4 In my study only 12% women obtained medication from MBBS doctors. Rest was either suggested by local unauthorized practitioners or over the counter self-administration.…”

“…In a study done by Pawde et al, 78.1% women used only single drug misoprostol and 21.9% used combined mifepristone and misoprostol but in my study 96% used combined drug. 4 This shows increased information about MMA and easy availability of combined drugs even in rural areas. Mean age and mean gestational age were 25 years and 9±2 weeks respectively.…”

A Pill in the Lifeworld of Women in Burkina Faso: Can Misoprostol Reframe the Meaning of Abortion

“…Therefore, accessing misoprostol does not necessarily guarantee safe abortion if the modalities of it uses are not respected. Improper use of misoprostol can lead to life-threatening complications such as collapse, bleeding and fever [11]. Moreover, a recent report on the issue of abortion worldwide suggests that clandestine abortion in legally restrictive settings is becoming relatively safer as misoprostol is replacing harmful methods [12].…”

Trends in abortion services and sociodemographic profile of women those availed abortion services at Parivar Seva clinics in India

“…5 Other than consumption of MA drugs, incomplete abortion can occur due to spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, prolonged or abnormal bleeding, infection of the uterus, intra uterine fetal death (IUD) etc. 6,7 Incomplete abortion contributes significantly to mortality and morbidity, affecting subsequent fertility and causing psychological distress. 8 Abortions, be it spontaneous or induced, are most common adverse outcome of pregnancy.…”