[Spontaneous abortion. Drug treatment versus surgery].

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Studies of conservative management of early miscarriage have questioned the need for post abortem curettage.

METHODS:

A prospective, randomised study was carried out to clarify the effect of vaginal administration of a prostaglandin E1 analogue (gemeprost) versus surgical management (curettage) of miscarriages at up to twelve weeks of gestation. A questionnaire revealed discomfort as bleeding and pain.

RESULTS:

The study comprised 61 patients: group 1 (n: 27) with an endometrial thickness less than 10 mm managed by expectancy, and group 2 with an endometrial thickness greater than 10 mm; group 2 was randomised to group 2A (n: 17), given gemeprost, and group 2B (n: 17), underwent curettage. On entry the mean gestational ages were 51 and 67.5 days for groups 1 and 2, respectively; transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a mean endometrial thickness of 8 mm in group 1 and 19 mm in group 2. One week later this was reduced to 4 mm in group 1 and 5.7 mm in group 2. The duration of vaginal bleeding was similar in all groups, with a mean of 1 week (2-3 days of moderate/heavy bleeding and 6-10 of no bleeding or spotting). The discomfort experienced was similar in all groups (a mean of 36-48 hours of moderate/strong pain and 7-10 days of no or insignificant pain).

DISCUSSIONS:

Conservative treatment can substitute general anesthesia and curettage in the management of complete spontaneous abortions with fresh vaginal bleeding and an endometrial thickness of up to 10 mm. Vaginal administration of 1 mg gemeprost can substitute general anesthesia and curettage in the management of incomplete spontaneous abortions of up to 12 weeks of gestation and absence of a gestation sac.

• Authors: L Clevin, T Munk, T R Hansen
• Journal: Ugeskrift for laeger (Ugeskr Laeger) Vol. 163 Issue 15 Pg. 2136-9 (Apr 09 2001) ISSN: 0041-5782 [Print] Denmark
• Vernacular Title: Spontan abort. Medicinsk versus kirurgisk behandling.
• PMID: 11332212 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Comparative Study, English Abstract, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal
• Prostaglandins E, Synthetic
• gemeprost
• Alprostadil

Topics

• Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal (administration & dosage)
• Abortion, Spontaneous (drug therapy, surgery, therapy)
• Administration, Intravaginal
• Adult
• Alprostadil (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives)
• Dilatation and Curettage
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Patient Satisfaction
• Pregnancy
• Pregnancy Trimester, First
• Prospective Studies
• Prostaglandins E, Synthetic (administration & dosage)
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Uterine Hemorrhage (diagnosis)