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Wagenheim CA, Savosnick H, Chakhame BM, Darj E, Kafulafula UK, Maluwa A, Odland JØ, Odland ML. Health care providers’ perceptions of using misoprostol in the treatment of incomplete abortion in Malawi. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1471. [DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08878-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
In Malawi, abortion is only legal to save a pregnant woman’s life. Treatment for complications after unsafe abortions has a massive impact on the already impoverished health care system. Even though manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) and misoprostol are the recommended treatment options for incomplete abortion in the first trimester, surgical management using sharp curettage is still one of the primary treatment methods in Malawi. Misoprostol and MVA are safer and cheaper, whilst sharp curettage has more risk of complications such as perforation and bleeding and requires general anesthesia and a clinician. Currently, efforts are being made to increase the use of misoprostol in the treatment of incomplete abortions in Malawi. To achieve successful implementation of misoprostol, health care providers’ perceptions on this matter are crucial.
Methods
A qualitative approach was used to explore health care providers’ perceptions of misoprostol for the treatment of incomplete abortion using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Ten health care providers were interviewed at one urban public hospital. Each interview lasted 45 min on average. Health care providers of different cadres were interviewed in March and April 2021, nine months after taking part in a training intervention on the use of misoprostol. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using ‘Systematic Text Condensation’.
Results
The health care providers reported many advantages with the increased use of misoprostol, such as reduced workload, less hospitalization, fewer infections, and task-shifting. Availability of the drug and benefits for the patients were also highlighted as important. However, some challenges were revealed, such as deciding who was eligible for the drug and treatment failure. For these reasons, some health care providers still choose surgical treatment as their primary method.
Conclusion
Findings in this study support the recommendation of increased use of misoprostol as a treatment for incomplete abortion in Malawi, as the health care providers interviewed see many advantages with the drug. To scale up its use, proper training and supervision are essential. A sustainable and predictable supply is needed to change clinical practice.
Plain English Summary
Unsafe abortion is a major contributor to maternal mortality worldwide. Unsafe abortion is the termination of an unintended pregnancy by a person without the required skills or equipment, which might lead to serious complications. In Malawi, post-abortion complications are common, and the maternal mortality ratio is among the highest in the world. Retained products of conception, referred to as an incomplete abortion, are common after spontaneous miscarriages and unsafe induced abortions. There are several ways to treat incomplete abortion, and the drug misoprostol has been successful in the treatment of incomplete abortion in other low-income countries. This study explored perceptions among health care providers using misoprostol to treat incomplete abortions and whether the drug can be fully embraced by Malawian health care professionals. Health personnel at a Malawian hospital were interviewed individually regarding the use of the drug for treating incomplete abortions. This study revealed that health care providers interviewed are satisfied with the increased use of misoprostol. They highlighted several benefits, such as reduced workload and that it enabled task-shifting so that various hospital cadres could now treat patients with incomplete abortions. The health care workers also observed benefits for women treated with the drug compared to other treatments. The challenges mentioned were finding out who was eligible for the drug and drug failure. This study supports scaling up the use of misoprostol in the treatment of incomplete abortions in Malawi; the Ministry of Health and policymakers should support future interventions to increase its use.
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Ghosh J, Papadopoulou A, Devall AJ, Jeffery HC, Beeson LE, Do V, Price MJ, Tobias A, Tunçalp Ö, Lavelanet A, Gülmezoglu AM, Coomarasamy A, Gallos ID. Methods for managing miscarriage: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 6:CD012602. [PMID: 34061352 PMCID: PMC8168449 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012602.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Miscarriage, defined as the spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before 24 weeks' gestation, is common with approximately 25% of women experiencing a miscarriage in their lifetime. An estimated 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage. Miscarriage can lead to serious morbidity, including haemorrhage, infection, and even death, particularly in settings without adequate healthcare provision. Early miscarriages occur during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, and can be managed expectantly, medically or surgically. However, there is uncertainty about the relative effectiveness and risks of each option. OBJECTIVES To estimate the relative effectiveness and safety profiles for the different management methods for early miscarriage, and to provide rankings of the available methods according to their effectiveness, safety, and side-effect profile using a network meta-analysis. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (9 February 2021), ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (12 February 2021), and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials assessing the effectiveness or safety of methods for miscarriage management. Early miscarriage was defined as less than or equal to 14 weeks of gestation, and included missed and incomplete miscarriage. Management of late miscarriages after 14 weeks of gestation (often referred to as intrauterine fetal deaths) was not eligible for inclusion in the review. Cluster- and quasi-randomised trials were eligible for inclusion. Randomised trials published only as abstracts were eligible if sufficient information could be retrieved. We excluded non-randomised trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least three review authors independently assessed the trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. We estimated the relative effects and rankings for the primary outcomes of complete miscarriage and composite outcome of death or serious complications. The certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE. Relative effects for the primary outcomes are reported subgrouped by the type of miscarriage (incomplete and missed miscarriage). We also performed pairwise meta-analyses and network meta-analysis to determine the relative effects and rankings of all available methods. MAIN RESULTS Our network meta-analysis included 78 randomised trials involving 17,795 women from 37 countries. Most trials (71/78) were conducted in hospital settings and included women with missed or incomplete miscarriage. Across 158 trial arms, the following methods were used: 51 trial arms (33%) used misoprostol; 50 (32%) used suction aspiration; 26 (16%) used expectant management or placebo; 17 (11%) used dilatation and curettage; 11 (6%) used mifepristone plus misoprostol; and three (2%) used suction aspiration plus cervical preparation. Of these 78 studies, 71 (90%) contributed data in a usable form for meta-analysis. Complete miscarriage Based on the relative effects from the network meta-analysis of 59 trials (12,591 women), we found that five methods may be more effective than expectant management or placebo for achieving a complete miscarriage: · suction aspiration after cervical preparation (risk ratio (RR) 2.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41 to 3.20, low-certainty evidence), · dilatation and curettage (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.26 to 1.75, low-certainty evidence), · suction aspiration (RR 1.44, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.62, low-certainty evidence), · mifepristone plus misoprostol (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.66, moderate-certainty evidence), · misoprostol (RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.46, low-certainty evidence). The highest ranked surgical method was suction aspiration after cervical preparation. The highest ranked non-surgical treatment was mifepristone plus misoprostol. All surgical methods were ranked higher than medical methods, which in turn ranked above expectant management or placebo. Composite outcome of death and serious complications Based on the relative effects from the network meta-analysis of 35 trials (8161 women), we found that four methods with available data were compatible with a wide range of treatment effects compared with expectant management or placebo: · dilatation and curettage (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.06, low-certainty evidence), · suction aspiration (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.32, low-certainty evidence), · misoprostol (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.15, low-certainty evidence), · mifepristone plus misoprostol (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.84, low-certainty evidence). Importantly, no deaths were reported in these studies, thus this composite outcome was entirely composed of serious complications, including blood transfusions, uterine perforations, hysterectomies, and intensive care unit admissions. Expectant management and placebo ranked the lowest when compared with alternative treatment interventions. Subgroup analyses by type of miscarriage (missed or incomplete) agreed with the overall analysis in that surgical methods were the most effective treatment, followed by medical methods and then expectant management or placebo, but there are possible subgroup differences in the effectiveness of the available methods. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Based on relative effects from the network meta-analysis, all surgical and medical methods for managing a miscarriage may be more effective than expectant management or placebo. Surgical methods were ranked highest for managing a miscarriage, followed by medical methods, which in turn ranked above expectant management or placebo. Expectant management or placebo had the highest chance of serious complications, including the need for unplanned or emergency surgery. A subgroup analysis showed that surgical and medical methods may be more beneficial in women with missed miscarriage compared to women with incomplete miscarriage. Since type of miscarriage (missed and incomplete) appears to be a source of inconsistency and heterogeneity within these data, we acknowledge that the main network meta-analysis may be unreliable. However, we plan to explore this further in future updates and consider the primary analysis as separate networks for missed and incomplete miscarriage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Ghosh
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Argyro Papadopoulou
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Adam J Devall
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Hannah C Jeffery
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Leanne E Beeson
- Institute of Applied Health Research, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vivian Do
- University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Malcolm J Price
- Test Evaluation Research Group, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Aurelio Tobias
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Özge Tunçalp
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Antonella Lavelanet
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Arri Coomarasamy
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ioannis D Gallos
- Tommy's National Centre for Miscarriage Research, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), WHO Collaborating Centre for Global Women's Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Izugbara C, Wekesah FM, Sebany M, Echoka E, Amo-Adjei J, Muga W. Availability, accessibility and utilization of post-abortion care in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review. Health Care Women Int 2019; 41:732-760. [PMID: 31855511 DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2019.1703991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
At the 1994 ICPD, sub-Saharan African (SSA) states pledged, inter alia, to guarantee quality post-abortion care (PAC) services. We synthesized existing research on PAC services provision, utilization and access in SSA since the 1994 ICPD. Generally, evidence on PAC is only available in a few countries in the sub-region. The available evidence however suggests that PAC constitutes a significant financial burden on public health systems in SSA; that accessibility, utilization and availability of PAC services have expanded during the period; and that worrying inequities characterize PAC services. Manual and electrical vacuum aspiration and medication abortion drugs are increasingly common PAC methods in SSA, but poor-quality treatment methods persist in many contexts. Complex socio-economic, infrastructural, cultural and political factors mediate the availability, accessibility and utilization of PAC services in SSA. Interventions that have been implemented to improve different aspects of PAC in the sub-region have had variable levels of success. Underexplored themes in the existing literature include the individual and household level costs of PAC; the quality of PAC services; the provision of non-abortion reproductive health services in the context of PAC; and health care provider-community partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Meroji Sebany
- International Center for Research on Women, Washington, D.C, USA
| | - Elizabeth Echoka
- Centre for Public Health Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute - KEMRI, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Joshua Amo-Adjei
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Winstoun Muga
- African Population & Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
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Lemmers M, Verschoor MAC, Kim BV, Hickey M, Vazquez JC, Mol BWJ, Neilson JP. Medical treatment for early fetal death (less than 24 weeks). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 6:CD002253. [PMID: 31206170 PMCID: PMC6574399 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002253.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In most pregnancies that miscarry, arrest of embryonic or fetal development occurs some time (often weeks) before the miscarriage occurs. Ultrasound examination can reveal abnormal findings during this phase by demonstrating anembryonic pregnancies or embryonic or fetal death. Treatment has traditionally been surgical but medical treatments may be effective, safe, and acceptable, as may be waiting for spontaneous miscarriage. This is an update of a review first published in 2006. OBJECTIVES To assess, from clinical trials, the effectiveness and safety of different medical treatments for the termination of non-viable pregnancies. SEARCH METHODS For this update, we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (24 October 2018) and reference lists of retrieved studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials comparing medical treatment with another treatment (e.g. surgical evacuation), or placebo, or no treatment for early pregnancy failure. Quasi-randomised studies were excluded. Cluster-randomised trials were eligible for inclusion, as were studies reported in abstract form, if sufficient information was available to assess eligibility. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. We assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS Forty-three studies (4966 women) were included. The main interventions examined were vaginal, sublingual, oral and buccal misoprostol, mifepristone and vaginal gemeprost. These were compared with surgical management, expectant management, placebo, or different types of medical interventions were compared with each other. The review includes a wide variety of different interventions which have been analysed across 23 different comparisons. Many of the comparisons consist of single studies. We limited the grading of the quality of evidence to two main comparisons: vaginal misoprostol versus placebo and vaginal misoprostol versus surgical evacuation of the uterus. Risk of bias varied widely among the included trials. The quality of the evidence varied between the different comparisons, but was mainly found to be very-low or low quality.Vaginal misoprostol versus placeboVaginal misoprostol may hasten miscarriage when compared with placebo: e.g. complete miscarriage (5 trials, 305 women, risk ratio (RR) 4.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.01 to 5.94; low-quality evidence). No trial reported on pelvic infection rate for this comparison. Vaginal misoprostol made little difference to rates of nausea (2 trials, 88 women, RR 1.38, 95% CI 0.43 to 4.40; low-quality evidence), diarrhoea (2 trials, 88 women, RR 2.21, 95% CI 0.35 to 14.06; low-quality evidence) or to whether women were satisfied with the acceptability of the method (1 trial, 32 women, RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.64; low-quality evidence). It is uncertain whether vaginal misoprostol reduces blood loss (haemoglobin difference > 10 g/L) (1 trial, 50 women, RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.38 to 4.12; very-low quality) or pain (opiate use) (1 trial, 84 women, RR 5.00, 95% CI 0.25 to 101.11; very-low quality), because the quality of the evidence for these outcomes was found to be very low.Vaginal misoprostol versus surgical evacuation Vaginal misoprostol may be less effective in accomplishing a complete miscarriage compared to surgical management (6 trials, 943 women, average RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.50; Heterogeneity: Tau² = 0.03, I² = 46%; low-quality evidence) and may be associated with more nausea (1 trial, 154 women, RR 21.85, 95% CI 1.31 to 364.37; low-quality evidence) and diarrhoea (1 trial, 154 women, RR 40.85, 95% CI 2.52 to 662.57; low-quality evidence). There may be little or no difference between vaginal misoprostol and surgical evacuation for pelvic infection (1 trial, 618 women, RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.37; low-quality evidence), blood loss (post-treatment haematocrit (%) (1 trial, 50 women, mean difference (MD) 1.40%, 95% CI -3.51 to 0.71; low-quality evidence), pain relief (1 trial, 154 women, RR 1.42, 95% CI 0.82 to 2.46; low-quality evidence) or women's satisfaction/acceptability of method (1 trial, 45 women, RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.11; low-quality evidence).Other comparisonsBased on findings from a single trial, vaginal misoprostol was more effective at accomplishing complete miscarriage than expectant management (614 women, RR 1.25, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.45). There was little difference between vaginal misoprostol and sublingual misoprostol (5 trials, 513 women, average RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.16; Heterogeneity: Tau² = 0.10, I² = 871%; or between oral and vaginal misoprostol in terms of complete miscarriage at less than 13 weeks (4 trials, 418 women), average RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.03; Heterogeneity: Tau² = 0.13, I² = 90%). However, there was less abdominal pain with vaginal misoprostol in comparison to sublingual (3 trials, 392 women, RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.74). A single study (46 women) found mifepristone to be more effective than placebo: miscarriage complete by day five after treatment (46 women, RR 9.50, 95% CI 2.49 to 36.19). However the quality of this evidence is very low: there is a very serious risk of bias with signs of incomplete data and no proper intention-to-treat analysis in the included study; and serious imprecision with wide confidence intervals. Mifepristone did not appear to further hasten miscarriage when added to a misoprostol regimen (3 trials, 447 women, RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.47). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Available evidence from randomised trials suggests that medical treatment with vaginal misoprostol may be an acceptable alternative to surgical evacuation or expectant management. In general, side effects of medical treatment were minor, consisting mainly of nausea and diarrhoea. There were no major differences in effectiveness between different routes of administration. Treatment satisfaction was addressed in only a few studies, in which the majority of women were satisfied with the received intervention. Since the quality of evidence is low or very low for several comparisons, mainly because they included only one or two (small) trials; further research is necessary to assess the effectiveness, safety and side effects, optimal route of administration and dose of different medical treatments for early fetal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marike Lemmers
- Academic Medical CenterDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMeibergdreef 9AmsterdamNetherlands1105 AZ
| | - Marianne AC Verschoor
- Academic Medical CenterDepartment of Obstetrics and GynaecologyMeibergdreef 9AmsterdamNetherlands1105 AZ
| | - Bobae Veronica Kim
- School of Medicine, The University of AdelaideRobinson Research InstituteAdelaideSAAustralia5006
| | - Martha Hickey
- The Royal Women's HospitalThe University of MelbourneLevel 7, Research PrecinctMelbourneVictoriaAustraliaParkville 3052
| | - Juan C Vazquez
- Instituto Nacional de Endocrinologia (INEN)Departamento de Salud ReproductivaZapata y DVedadoHabanaCuba10 400
| | - Ben Willem J Mol
- Monash UniversityDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology246 Clayton RoadClaytonVictoriaAustralia3168
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Ibiyemi KF, Ijaiya MA, Adesina KT. Randomised Trial of Oral Misoprostol Versus Manual Vacuum Aspiration for the Treatment of Incomplete Abortion at a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2019; 19:e38-e43. [PMID: 31198594 PMCID: PMC6544063 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.2019.19.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to compare the efficacy of oral misoprostol with manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) in first trimester incomplete abortions. Methods This randomised controlled trial study was conducted at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria between April 2014 and November 2015. Pregnant women who presented with clinical features of incomplete abortion at a gestational age of 13 weeks or less were included. Patients who had profuse vaginal bleeding, an intrauterine device in situ, signs of pelvic infections or who were younger than 18 years old and had no accompanying adults to give informed consent were excluded. A total of 200 participants were randomly and equally allocated to either the MVA or misoprostol treatment group. The treatment group were given 600 μg of misoprostol orally. The primary outcome measure was complete uterine evacuation, while secondary outcome measures included the need for additional surgical evacuation for failed treatment, adverse effects/complications, acceptability of and satisfaction with the treatment. Results Both misoprostol and MVA had high complete evacuation rates, yet MVA was significantly higher (99% versus 83%, relative risk [RR]: 0.84, confidence interval [CI]: 0.766–0.918; P <0.001). Significantly more women in the misoprostol group required additional MVA for failed treatment than in the MVA treatment group (17% versus 1%, RR: 16.67, CI: 2.260–12.279; P <0.001). No significant difference was found between the misoprostol and MVA treatment groups in terms of satisfaction (92.7% versus 89.8%, RR: 1.04, CI: 0.946–1.127; P = 0.473). Conclusion Treatments with misoprostol and MVA had high complete uterine evacuation rates, as well as high rates of acceptability and satisfaction. However, MVA had a significantly higher complete evacuation rate than misoprostol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehinde F Ibiyemi
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Munir'deen A Ijaiya
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Kikelomo T Adesina
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
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Smith PP, Dhillon-Smith RK, O'Toole E, Cooper N, Coomarasamy A, Clark TJ. Outcomes in prevention and management of miscarriage trials: a systematic review. BJOG 2019; 126:176-189. [PMID: 30461160 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.15528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a substantial body of research evaluating ways to prevent and manage miscarriage, but all studies do not report on the same outcomes. OBJECTIVE To review systematically, outcomes reported in existing miscarriage trials. SEARCH STRATEGY MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane were searched from inception until January 2017. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting prevention or management of miscarriage. Miscarriage was defined as a pregnancy loss in the first trimester. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data about the study characteristics, primary, and secondary outcomes were extracted. MAIN RESULTS We retrieved 1553 titles and abstracts, from which 208 RCTs were included. For prevention of miscarriage, the most commonly reported primary outcome was live birth and the top four reported outcomes were pregnancy loss/stillbirth (n = 112), gestation of birth (n = 68), birth dimensions (n = 65), and live birth (n = 49). For these four outcomes, 58 specific measures were used for evaluation. For management of miscarriage, the most commonly reported primary outcome was efficacy of treatment. The top four reported outcomes were bleeding (n = 186), efficacy of miscarriage treatment (n = 105), infection (n = 97), and quality of life (n = 90). For these outcomes, 130 specific measures were used for evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Our review found considerable variation in the reporting of primary and secondary outcomes along with the measures used to assess them. There is a need for standardised patient-centred clinical outcomes through the development of a core outcome set; the work from this systematic review will form the foundation of the core outcome set for miscarriage. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT There is disparity in the reporting of outcomes and the measures used to assess them in miscarriage trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- P P Smith
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Tommy's Centre for Miscarriage Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - R K Dhillon-Smith
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Tommy's Centre for Miscarriage Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - E O'Toole
- Women's Voices Involvement Panel, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London, UK
| | - Nam Cooper
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University, London, UK
| | - A Coomarasamy
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Tommy's Centre for Miscarriage Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - T J Clark
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Tommy's Centre for Miscarriage Research, College of Medical & Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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The Use of Manual Vacuum Aspiration in the Treatment of Incomplete Abortions: A Descriptive Study from Three Public Hospitals in Malawi. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15020370. [PMID: 29466308 PMCID: PMC5858439 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Malawi has a high maternal mortality rate, of which unsafe abortion is a major cause. About 140,000 induced abortions are estimated every year, despite there being a restrictive abortion law in place. This leads to complications, such as incomplete abortions, which need to be treated to avoid further harm. Although manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) is a safe and cheap method of evacuating the uterus, the most commonly used method in Malawi is curettage. Medical treatment is used sparingly in the country, and the Ministry of Health has been trying to increase the use of MVA. The aim of this study was to investigate the treatment of incomplete abortions in three public hospitals in Southern Malawi during a three-year period. All medical files from the female/gynecological wards from 2013 to 2015 were reviewed. In total, information on obstetric history, demographics, and treatment were collected from 7270 women who had been treated for incomplete abortions. The overall use of MVA at the three hospitals during the study period was 11.4% (95% CI, 10.7-12.1). However, there was a major increase in MVA application at one District Hospital. Why there was only one successful hospital in this study is unclear, but may be due to more training and dedicated leadership at this particular hospital. Either way, the use of MVA in the treatment of incomplete abortions continues to be low in Malawi, despite recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Malawi Ministry of Health.
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Black KI, de Vries BS, Moses F, Pelosi M, Cong A, Ludlow J. The impact of introducing medical management on conservative and surgical management for early pregnancy miscarriage. Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol 2017; 57:93-98. [DOI: 10.1111/ajo.12573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten I. Black
- Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology; Central Clinical School; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Women's and Babies; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
| | - Bradley S. de Vries
- Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology; Central Clinical School; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Women's and Babies; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
| | - Francis Moses
- Discipline of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology; Central Clinical School; University of Sydney; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Marilena Pelosi
- Women's and Babies; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
| | - Angela Cong
- Women's and Babies; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
| | - Joanne Ludlow
- Women's and Babies; Royal Prince Alfred Hospital; Camperdown New South Wales Australia
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9
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Miscarriage occurs in 10% to 15% of pregnancies. The traditional treatment, after miscarriage, has been to perform surgery to remove any remaining placental tissues in the uterus ('evacuation of uterus'). However, medical treatments, or expectant care (no treatment), may also be effective, safe, and acceptable. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of any medical treatment for incomplete miscarriage (before 24 weeks). SEARCH METHODS We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (13 May 2016) and reference lists of retrieved papers. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials comparing medical treatment with expectant care or surgery, or alternative methods of medical treatment. We excluded quasi-randomised trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias, and carried out data extraction. Data entry was checked. We assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 24 studies (5577 women). There were no trials specifically of miscarriage treatment after 13 weeks' gestation.Three trials involving 335 women compared misoprostol treatment (all vaginally administered) with expectant care. There was no difference in complete miscarriage (average risk ratio (RR) 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 2.10; 2 studies, 150 women, random-effects; very low-quality evidence), or in the need for surgical evacuation (average RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.17 to 2.26; 2 studies, 308 women, random-effects; low-quality evidence). There were few data on 'deaths or serious complications'. For unplanned surgical intervention, we did not identify any difference between misoprostol and expectant care (average RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.17 to 2.26; 2 studies, 308 women, random-effects; low-quality evidence).Sixteen trials involving 4044 women addressed the comparison of misoprostol (7 studies used oral administration, 6 studies used vaginal, 2 studies sublingual, 1 study combined vaginal + oral) with surgical evacuation. There was a slightly lower incidence of complete miscarriage with misoprostol (average RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94 to 0.98; 15 studies, 3862 women, random-effects; very low-quality evidence) but with success rate high for both methods. Overall, there were fewer surgical evacuations with misoprostol (average RR 0.05, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.11; 13 studies, 3070 women, random-effects; very low-quality evidence) but more unplanned procedures (average RR 5.03, 95% CI 2.71 to 9.35; 11 studies, 2690 women, random-effects; low-quality evidence). There were few data on 'deaths or serious complications'. Nausea was more common with misoprostol (average RR 2.50, 95% CI 1.53 to 4.09; 11 studies, 3015 women, random-effects; low-quality evidence). We did not identify any difference in women's satisfaction between misoprostol and surgery (average RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.00; 9 studies, 3349 women, random-effects; moderate-quality evidence). More women had vomiting and diarrhoea with misoprostol compared with surgery (vomiting: average RR 1.97, 95% CI 1.36 to 2.85; 10 studies, 2977 women, random-effects; moderate-quality evidence; diarrhoea: average RR 4.82, 95% CI 1.09 to 21.32; 4 studies, 757 women, random-effects; moderate-quality evidence).Five trials compared different routes of administration, or doses, or both, of misoprostol. There was no clear evidence of one regimen being superior to another. Limited evidence suggests that women generally seem satisfied with their care. Long-term follow-up from one included study identified no difference in subsequent fertility between the three approaches. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The available evidence suggests that medical treatment, with misoprostol, and expectant care are both acceptable alternatives to routine surgical evacuation given the availability of health service resources to support all three approaches. Further studies, including long-term follow-up, are clearly needed to confirm these findings. There is an urgent need for studies on women who miscarry at more than 13 weeks' gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caron Kim
- WHODepartment of Reproductive Health and Research20 Avenue AppiaGenevaSwitzerland1211
| | | | | | - Martha Hickey
- The Royal Women's HospitalThe University of MelbourneLevel 7, Research PrecinctMelbourneVictoriaAustraliaParkville 3052
| | - Juan C Vazquez
- Instituto Nacional de Endocrinologia (INEN)Departamento de Salud ReproductivaZapata y DVedadoHabanaCuba10 400
| | - Lixia Dou
- The University of LiverpoolCochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group, Department of Women's and Children's HealthFirst Floor, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation TrustCrown StreetLiverpoolUKL8 7SS
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Huber D, Curtis C, Irani L, Pappa S, Arrington L. Postabortion Care: 20 Years of Strong Evidence on Emergency Treatment, Family Planning, and Other Programming Components. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2016; 4:481-94. [PMID: 27571343 PMCID: PMC5042702 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-16-00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Worldwide 75 million women need postabortion care (PAC) services each year following safe or unsafe induced abortions and miscarriages. We reviewed more than 550 studies on PAC published between 1994 and 2013 in the peer-reviewed and gray literature, covering emergency treatment, postabortion family planning, organization of services, and related topics that impact practices and health outcomes, particularly in the Global South. In this article, we present findings from studies with strong evidence that have major implications for programs and practice. For example, vacuum aspiration reduced morbidity, costs, and time in comparison to sharp curettage. Misoprostol 400 mcg sublingually or 600 mcg orally achieved 89% to 99% complete evacuation rates within 2 weeks in multiple studies and was comparable in effectiveness, safety, and acceptability to manual vacuum aspiration. Misoprostol was safely introduced in several PAC programs through mid-level providers, extending services to secondary hospitals and primary health centers. In multiple studies, postabortion family planning uptake before discharge increased by 30-70 percentage points within 1-3 years of strengthening postabortion family planning services; in some cases, increases up to 60 percentage points in 4 months were achieved. Immediate postabortion contraceptive acceptance increased on average from 32% before the interventions to 69% post-intervention. Several studies found that women receiving immediate postabortion intrauterine devices and implants had fewer unintended pregnancies and repeat abortions than those who were offered delayed insertions. Postabortion family planning is endorsed by the professional organizations of obstetricians/gynecologists, midwives, and nurses as a standard of practice; major donors agree, and governments should be encouraged to provide universal access to postabortion family planning. Important program recommendations include offering all postabortion women family planning counseling and services before leaving the facility, especially because fertility returns rapidly (within 2 to 3 weeks); postabortion family planning services can be quickly replicated to multiple sites with high acceptance rates. Voluntary family planning uptake by method should always be monitored to document program and provider performance. In addition, vacuum aspiration and misoprostol should replace sharp curettage to treat incomplete abortion for women who meet eligibility criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Huber
- Innovative Development Expertise & Advisory Services, Inc. (IDEAS), Boxford, MA, USA
| | - Carolyn Curtis
- United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Laili Irani
- Population Reference Bureau, Health Policy Project, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sara Pappa
- Palladium, Health Policy Project, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lauren Arrington
- University of Maryland, St. Joseph Medical Center, Towson, MD, USA
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11
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Cleeve A, Byamugisha J, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Mbona Tumwesigye N, Atuhairwe S, Faxelid E, Klingberg-Allvin M. Women's Acceptability of Misoprostol Treatment for Incomplete Abortion by Midwives and Physicians - Secondary Outcome Analysis from a Randomized Controlled Equivalence Trial at District Level in Uganda. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0149172. [PMID: 26872219 PMCID: PMC4752492 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0149172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to assess women´s acceptability of diagnosis and treatment of incomplete abortion with misoprostol by midwives, compared with physicians. Methods This was an analysis of secondary outcomes from a multi-centre randomized controlled equivalence trial at district level in Uganda. Women with first trimester incomplete abortion were randomly allocated to clinical assessment and treatment with misoprostol by a physician or a midwife. The randomisation (1:1) was done in blocks of 12 and stratified for health care facility. Acceptability was measured in expectations and satisfaction at a follow up visit 14–28 days following treatment. Analysis of women’s overall acceptability was done using a generalized linear mixed-effects model with an equivalence range of -4% to 4%. The study was not masked. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.org, NCT 01844024. Results From April 2013 to June 2014, 1108 women were assessed for eligibility of which 1010 were randomized (506 to midwife and 504 to physician). 953 women were successfully followed up and included in the acceptability analysis. 95% (904) of the participants found the treatment satisfactory and overall acceptability was found to be equivalent between the two study groups. Treatment failure, not feeling calm and safe following treatment, experiencing severe abdominal pain or heavy bleeding following treatment, were significantly associated with non-satisfaction. No serious adverse events were recorded. Conclusions Treatment of incomplete abortion with misoprostol by midwives and physician was highly, and equally, acceptable to women. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01844024
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Cleeve
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- WHO Center for Human Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Josaphat Byamugisha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- WHO Center for Human Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Susan Atuhairwe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Elisabeth Faxelid
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Global Health (IHCAR), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Klingberg-Allvin
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- School of Education, Health and Social Studies, Dalarna University, Falun, Sweden
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12
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Keogh SC, Kimaro G, Muganyizi P, Philbin J, Kahwa A, Ngadaya E, Bankole A. Incidence of Induced Abortion and Post-Abortion Care in Tanzania. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133933. [PMID: 26361246 PMCID: PMC4567065 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tanzania has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world, and unsafe abortion is one of its leading causes. Yet little is known about its incidence. OBJECTIVES To provide the first ever estimates of the incidence of unsafe abortion in Tanzania, at the national level and for each of the 8 geopolitical zones (7 in Mainland plus Zanzibar). METHODS A nationally representative survey of health facilities was conducted to determine the number of induced abortion complications treated in facilities. A survey of experts on abortion was conducted to estimate the likelihood of women experiencing complications and obtaining treatment. These surveys were complemented with population and fertility data to obtain abortion numbers, rates and ratios, using the Abortion Incidence Complications Methodology. RESULTS In Tanzania, women obtained just over 405,000 induced abortions in 2013, for a national rate of 36 abortions per 1,000 women age 15-49 and a ratio of 21 abortions per 100 live births. For each woman treated in a facility for induced abortion complications, 6 times as many women had an abortion but did not receive care. Abortion rates vary widely by zone, from 10.7 in Zanzibar to 50.7 in the Lake zone. CONCLUSIONS The abortion rate is similar to that of other countries in the region. Variations by zone are explained mainly by differences in fertility and contraceptive prevalence. Measures to reduce the incidence of unsafe abortion and associated maternal mortality include expanding access to post-abortion care and contraceptive services to prevent unintended pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Keogh
- Guttmacher Institute, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Godfather Kimaro
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Projestine Muganyizi
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jesse Philbin
- Guttmacher Institute, New York, United States of America
| | - Amos Kahwa
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Esther Ngadaya
- National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
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Tratamiento médico del aborto espontáneo del primer trimestre. CLINICA E INVESTIGACION EN GINECOLOGIA Y OBSTETRICIA 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gine.2013.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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14
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Badawy AM, Elnashar AM. Treatment with misoprostol by midwives is safe and effective. Lancet 2015; 385:2335-7. [PMID: 25817471 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(14)62287-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Badawy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mansura University, Mansoura 35111, Egypt.
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15
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Perceptions of misoprostol among providers and women seeking post-abortion care in Zimbabwe. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH MATTERS 2015; 22:16-25. [DOI: 10.1016/s0968-8080(14)43792-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Atukunda EC, Brhlikova P, Agaba AG, Pollock AM. Civil Society Organizations and medicines policy change: a case study of registration, procurement, distribution and use of misoprostol in Uganda. Soc Sci Med 2015; 130:242-9. [PMID: 25728484 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Misoprostol use for postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) has been promoted by Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) since the early 2000s. Yet, CSOs' role in improving access to misoprostol and shaping health policy at global and national levels is not well understood. We document the introduction of misoprostol in Uganda in 2008 from its registration, addition to treatment guidelines and national Essential Medicines List (EML), to its distribution and use. We then analyse the contribution of CSOs to this health policy change and service provision. Policy documents, procurement data and 82 key informant interviews with government officials, healthcare providers, and CSOs in four Ugandan districts of Kampala, Mbarara, Apac, Bundibugyo were collected between 2010 and 2013. Five key CSOs promoted and accelerated the rollout of misoprostol in Uganda. They supported the registration of misoprostol with the National Drug Authority, the development of clinical guidelines, and the piloting and training of health care providers. CSOs and National Medical Stores were procuring and distributing misoprostol country-wide to health centres two years before it was added to the clinical guidelines and EML of Uganda and in the absence of good evidence. The evidence suggests an increasing trend of misoprostol procurement and availability over the medicine of choice, oxytocin. This shift in national priorities has serious ramifications for maternal health care that need urgent evaluation. The absence of clinical guidelines in health centres and the lack of training preclude rational use of misoprostol. CSOs shifted their focus from the public to the private sector, where some of them continue to promote its use for off-label indications including induction of labour and abortion. There is an urgent need to build capacity to improve the robustness of the national and local institutions in assessing the safety and effectiveness of all medicines and their indications in Uganda.
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Mayi-Tsonga S, Minkobame U, Mbila A, Assoumou P, Diop A, Winikoff B. [First experience of the use of misoprostol as post-abortion care in Libreville, Gabon]. Pan Afr Med J 2014; 18:301. [PMID: 25469194 PMCID: PMC4247897 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2014.18.301.4309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Une étude a été menée afin de déterminer le taux d'acceptabilité de 400µg de misoprostol par voie sublinguale comme traitement de première intention de l'avortement incomplet et de préciser le taux d'avortement complet ou vacuité utérine. Méthodes Les femmes éligibles avaient un diagnostic clinique d'avortement incomplet avec une taille utérine inférieure à celle d'un utérus de 12 semaines d'aménorrhées (SA). Chacune a reçu 400µg de misoprostol par voie sublinguale. Les femmes ont été revues après une semaine. A J7, celles qui n'avaient pas complètement expulsé ont eu le choix entre une nouvelle consultation de suivi à J14 et la pratique d'une évacuation chirurgicale immédiate. Résultats 145 patientes ont été éligibles et ont toutes accepté la méthode (100%). L’âge moyen était de 25,9 ± 6 ans. A J7, 120 patientes étaient guéries (85,7%). A J14, le taux de réussitea été de 95,7% soit 134 patientes guéries. Les patientes guéries ont déclaré être très satisfaites (57,5%), satisfaites (41,8%) et insatisfaite (0,7%). Au total,128 femmes (95,5%) ont dit être prêtes à utiliser de nouveau le misoprostol comme méthode d’évacuation utérine en cas d'avortement incomplet. Conclusion L’étude démontre que le 400µg misoprostol par voie sublinguale nous permet de prendre en charge d'une manière adéquate l'avortement incomplet surtout dans les pays à faible ressource et notamment dans les structures sanitaires de première ligne ou éloignées.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sosthène Mayi-Tsonga
- Université des Sciences de la Santé de Libreville, Libreville, Gabon ; Projet FIGO pour la lutte contre les avortements à risque au Gabon
| | - Ulysse Minkobame
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Libreville, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Arielle Mbila
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Libreville, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Pamphile Assoumou
- Service de Gynécologie Obstétrique du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Libreville, Libreville, Gabon
| | - Ayisha Diop
- Gynuity Health Projects, New York City, New York, USA
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Paul M, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Kiggundu C, Namugenyi R, Klingberg-Allvin M. Barriers and facilitators in the provision of post-abortion care at district level in central Uganda - a qualitative study focusing on task sharing between physicians and midwives. BMC Health Serv Res 2014; 14:28. [PMID: 24447321 PMCID: PMC3903434 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-14-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Abortion is restricted in Uganda, and poor access to contraceptive methods result in unwanted pregnancies. This leaves women no other choice than unsafe abortion, thus placing a great burden on the Ugandan health system and making unsafe abortion one of the major contributors to maternal mortality and morbidity in Uganda. The existing sexual and reproductive health policy in Uganda supports the sharing of tasks in post-abortion care. This task sharing is taking place as a pragmatic response to the increased workload. This study aims to explore physicians’ and midwives’ perception of post-abortion care with regard to professional competences, methods, contraceptive counselling and task shifting/sharing in post-abortion care. Methods In-depth interviews (n = 27) with health care providers of post-abortion care were conducted in seven health facilities in the Central Region of Uganda. The data were organized using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. Results Post-abortion care was perceived as necessary, albeit controversial and sometimes difficult to provide. Together with poor conditions post-abortion care provoked frustration especially among midwives. Task sharing was generally taking place and midwives were identified as the main providers, although they would rarely have the proper training in post-abortion care. Additionally, midwives were sometimes forced to provide services outside their defined task area, due to the absence of doctors. Different uterine evacuation skills were recognized although few providers knew of misoprostol as a method for post-abortion care. An overall need for further training in post-abortion care was identified. Conclusions Task sharing is taking place, but providers lack the relevant skills for the provision of quality care. For post-abortion care to improve, task sharing needs to be scaled up and in-service training for both doctors and midwives needs to be provided. Post-abortion care should further be included in the educational curricula of nurses and midwives. Scaled-up task sharing in post-abortion care, along with misoprostol use for uterine evacuation would provide a systematic approach to improving the quality of care and accessibility of services, with the aim of reducing abortion-related mortality and morbidity in Uganda.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandira Paul
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Osur J, Baird TL, Levandowski BA, Jackson E, Murokora D. Letter to the editor. Glob Health Action 2013; 6:21787. [PMID: 23870185 PMCID: PMC3717091 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v6i0.21787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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An approach to evaluate the efficacy of vaginal misoprostol administered for a rapid management of first trimester spontaneous onset incomplete abortion, in comparison to surgical curettage. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2013; 288:1243-8. [PMID: 23708389 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-013-2894-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the medical method in the management of first trimester spontaneous onset incomplete abortion, by using misoprostol vaginal tablets, in comparison to surgical evacuation, with an intention of completing the procedure within 24 h. METHODS In this prospective, randomised study of 100 women admitted with features suggestive of incomplete abortion, 50 women received misoprostol vaginal tablets, while another 50 underwent suction curettage of products of conceptus. They were followed up after 24 h of last dosage of misoprostol or surgical intervention. Statistical analysis was done with respect to efficacy, safety and procedure-related side effects. RESULTS In this study, when analysed after 24 h of treatment allocation, the efficacy of misoprostol was 91.3%, and the efficacy of the surgical method was 96%, with the statistical difference being insignificant. Procedure-related blood loss and pain perception between the two groups were statistically insignificant. However, the incidence of fever in the misoprostol group statistically appeared higher. CONCLUSIONS Misoprostol could be a safe and easily accessible alternative to surgical evacuation, in cases of first trimester spontaneous onset incomplete miscarriage, and could be administered by the patient herself at home.
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Osur J, Baird TL, Levandowski BA, Jackson E, Murokora D. Implementation of misoprostol for postabortion care in Kenya and Uganda: a qualitative evaluation. Glob Health Action 2013; 6:1-11. [PMID: 23618341 PMCID: PMC3636418 DOI: 10.3402/gha.v6i0.19649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 02/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Evaluate implementation of misoprostol for postabortion care (MPAC) in two African countries. Design Qualitative, program evaluation. Setting Twenty-five public and private health facilities in Rift Valley Province, Kenya, and Kampala Province, Uganda. Sample Forty-five MPAC providers, health facility managers, Ministry of Health officials, and non-governmental (NGO) staff involved in program implementation. Methods and main outcome measures In both countries, the Ministry of Health, local health centers and hospitals, and NGO staff developed evidence-based service delivery protocols to introduce MPAC in selected facilities; implementation extended from January 2009 to October 2010. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews evaluated the implementation process, identified supportive and inhibitive policies for implementation, elicited lessons learned during the process, and assessed provider satisfaction and providers’ impressions of client satisfaction with MPAC. Project reports were also reviewed. Results In both countries, MPAC was easy to use, and freed up provider time and health facility resources traditionally necessary for provision of PAC with uterine aspiration. On-going support of providers following training ensured high quality of care. Providers perceived that many women preferred MPAC, as they avoided instrumentation of the uterus, hospital admission, cost, and stigma associated with abortion. Appropriate registration of misoprostol for use in the pilot, and maintaining supplies of misoprostol, were significant challenges to service provision. Support from the Ministry of Health was necessary for successful implementation; lack of country-based standards and guidelines for MPAC created challenges. Conclusions MPAC is simple, cost-effective and can be readily implemented in settings with high rates of abortion-related mortality.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Miscarriage occurs in 10% to 15% of pregnancies. The traditional treatment, after miscarriage, has been to perform surgery to remove any remaining placental tissues in the uterus ('evacuation of uterus'). However, medical treatments, or expectant care (no treatment), may also be effective, safe and acceptable. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness, safety and acceptability of any medical treatment for incomplete miscarriage (before 24 weeks). SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (30 November 2012) and reference lists of retrieved papers. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing medical treatment with expectant care or surgery or alternative methods of medical treatment. Quasi-randomised trials were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and carried out data extraction. Data entry was checked. MAIN RESULTS Twenty studies (4208 women) were included. There were no trials specifically of miscarriage treatment after 13 weeks' gestation.Three trials involving 335 women compared misoprostol treatment (all vaginally administered) with expectant care. There was no statistically significant difference in complete miscarriage (average risk ratio (RR) 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 2.10; two studies, 150 women, random-effects), or in the need for surgical evacuation (average RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.17 to 2.26; two studies, 308 women, random-effects). There were few data on 'deaths or serious complications'.Twelve studies involving 2894 women addressed the comparison of misoprostol (six studies used oral administration, four studies used vaginal, one study sub-lingual, one study combined vaginal + oral) with surgical evacuation. There was a slightly lower incidence of complete miscarriage with misoprostol (average RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95 to 0.99, 11 studies, 2493 women, random-effects) but with success rate high for both methods. Overall, there were fewer surgical evacuations with misoprostol (average RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.13; 11 studies, 2654 women, random-effects) but more unplanned procedures (average RR 5.82, 95% CI 2.93 to 11.56; nine studies, 2274 women, random-effects). There were few data on 'deaths or serious complications'. Nausea was more common with misoprostol (average RR 2.41, 95% CI 1.44 to 4.03; nine studies, 2179 women, random-effects).Five trials compared different routes of administration and/or doses of misoprostol. There was no clear evidence of one regimen being superior to another. Limited evidence suggests that women generally seem satisfied with their care. Long-term follow-up from one included study identified no difference in subsequent fertility between the three approaches. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The available evidence suggests that medical treatment, with misoprostol, and expectant care are both acceptable alternatives to routine surgical evacuation given the availability of health service resources to support all three approaches. Women experiencing miscarriage at less than 13 weeks should be offered an informed choice. Future studies should include long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Neilson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
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Prata N, Bell S, Gessessew A. Comprehensive abortion care: evidence of improvements in hospital-level indicators in Tigray, Ethiopia. BMJ Open 2013; 3:bmjopen-2013-002873. [PMID: 23883881 PMCID: PMC3731730 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Approximately 18% of maternal deaths in East Africa is attributable to unsafe abortion. Availability of comprehensive abortion care (CAC) services at all levels of the healthcare system, including medical abortion, has the potential to increase access to safe abortion thereby reducing the burden of unsafe abortion. This study sought to assess trends in abortion-related morbidity indicators in referral hospitals. DESIGN Researchers conducted a secondary data analysis on retrospectively collected data. METHODS Data analysed were collected from four hospitals in the Tigray region of Ethiopia that took part in a CAC pilot project. Providers were trained in mid-2009 to provide abortion services using all available technologies. Data records from hospitals were collected in 2012 for the years 2006 through 2012; 2006/2007 data were too sparse to include in the analyses. RESULTS Trends in abortion-related services show a significant decrease in treatment of incomplete abortion, inverting the relationship between safe terminations and treatment of incompletes as a percentage of total abortions. Medication abortion was nearly non-existent in 2008, but increased steadily, representing 80% of total procedures in 2012. The inclusion of medication abortion and availability of CAC also contributed to a decline in inpatient procedures and prevalence of complications. CONCLUSIONS The trends observed in the data demonstrate how increased availability of CAC services at all levels of the healthcare system, among other factors, can contribute to reductions in the burden of unsafe abortion at referral hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ndola Prata
- UC Berkeley Bixby Center for Population, Health and Sustainability, School of Public Health, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Suzanne Bell
- UC Berkeley Bixby Center for Population, Health and Sustainability, School of Public Health, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Amanual Gessessew
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Mekelle University College of Health Sciences, Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia
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Shochet T, Diop A, Gaye A, Nayama M, Sall AB, Bukola F, Blandine T, Abiola OM, Dao B, Olayinka O, Winikoff B. Sublingual misoprostol versus standard surgical care for treatment of incomplete abortion in five sub-Saharan African countries. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2012; 12:127. [PMID: 23150927 PMCID: PMC3545859 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2393-12-127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 11/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In low-resource settings, where abortion is highly restricted and self-induced abortions are common, access to post-abortion care (PAC) services, especially treatment of incomplete terminations, is a priority. Standard post-abortion care has involved surgical intervention but can be hard to access in these areas. Misoprostol provides an alternative to surgical intervention that could increase access to abortion care. We sought to gather additional evidence regarding the efficacy of 400 mcg of sublingual misoprostol vs. standard surgical care for treatment of incomplete abortion in the environments where need for economical non-surgical treatments may be most useful. Methods A total of 860 women received either sublingual misoprostol or standard surgical care for treatment of incomplete abortion in a multi-site randomized trial. Women with confirmed incomplete abortion, defined as past or present history of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy and an open cervical os, were eligible to participate. Participants returned for follow-up one week later to confirm clinical status. If abortion was incomplete at that time, women were offered an additional follow-up visit or immediate surgical evacuation. Results Both misoprostol and surgical evacuation are highly effective treatments for incomplete abortion (misoprostol: 94.4%, surgical: 100.0%). Misoprostol treatment resulted in a somewhat lower chance of success than standard surgical practice (RR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.89-0.92). Both tolerability of side effects and women’s satisfaction were similar in the two study arms. Conclusion Misoprostol, much easier to provide than surgery in low-resource environments, can be used safely, successfully, and satisfactorily for treatment of incomplete abortion. Focus should shift to program implementation, including task-shifting the provision of post-abortion care to mid- and low- level providers, training and assurance of drug availability. Trial registration This study has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00466999 and NCT01539408
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Shochet
- Gynuity Health Projects, 15 E, 26th St, Suite 801, New York, NY 10010, USA
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Sublingual [corrected] misoprostol as first-line care for incomplete abortion in Burkina Faso. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2012; 119:166-9. [PMID: 22935621 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2012.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2012] [Revised: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore 400-μg sublingual misoprostol as primary treatment in lower-level facilities with no previous experience providing postabortion care. METHODS Women presenting with incomplete abortion were offered a single dose of 400-μg sublingual misoprostol. Incomplete abortion was defined as uterine size consistent with fewer than 12 weeks of gestation, open cervical os, and reports of past or present history of vaginal bleeding. Women returned to the clinic 1 week after misoprostol administration for follow-up. At that time, they were discharged if the uterine evacuation was a success or were offered a second follow-up visit or surgical completion if still incomplete. RESULTS One-hundred women received misoprostol; outcome data were unavailable for 1 woman. Complete uterine evacuation was achieved for 97 (98.0%) women. Satisfaction was high, with nearly all women indicating that they were "satisfied" (n=57 [57.6%]) or "very satisfied" (n=41 [41.4%]) with their experience. Adverse effects were considered "tolerable" by 72 of 97 (74.2%) women. Ninety-seven of 99 (98.0%) participants indicated that they would choose misoprostol for incomplete abortion care in the future and 95 of 97 (97.9%) stated that they would recommend it to a friend. CONCLUSION Misoprostol is a viable option for treatment of incomplete abortion at mid-level facilities.
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Misoprostol as first-line treatment for incomplete abortion at a secondary-level health facility in Nigeria. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2012; 119:170-3. [PMID: 22935620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2012.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 06/26/2012] [Accepted: 07/27/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the feasibility of introducing misoprostol as first-line treatment for incomplete abortion at a secondary-level health facility. METHODS An open-label prospective study was conducted in a secondary-level health facility in Nigeria. Eligible women diagnosed with incomplete abortion received 400-μg sublingual misoprostol as first-line treatment. Nurse-midwives took the lead in diagnosis, counseling, treatment, and assessment of final outcome. The primary outcome was the proportion of women who completed the abortion process. RESULTS Complete evacuation was achieved in 83 of 90 (92.2%) eligible women. The most common adverse effects were abdominal pain/cramps (58 [64.4%]), heavy bleeding (21 [23.3%]), spotting (15 [16.7%]), and fever/chills (11 [12.2%]). More than 90% of women reported that the procedure was satisfactory, that pain and adverse effects were tolerable, and that bleeding was acceptable. Eighty-four (93.3%) and 86 (95.6%) women, respectively, would use the method in the future and recommend it to friends. CONCLUSION Misoprostol is an effective, safe, and acceptable method for treating incomplete abortion. It can be successfully used as first-line treatment by nurse-midwives. Success rates over 90% are consistent with findings from previous studies in which drug administration was controlled solely by physicians.
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Olavarrieta CD, Garcia SG, Arangure A, Cravioto V, Villalobos A, AbiSamra R, Rochat R, Becker D. Women's experiences of and perspectives on abortion at public facilities in Mexico City three years following decriminalization. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2012; 118 Suppl 1:S15-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2012.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Oral misoprostol for the management of incomplete abortion in Ecuador. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2011; 115:135-9. [PMID: 21872244 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2011] [Revised: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility of introducing misoprostol for the treatment of incomplete abortion in Quito, Ecuador. METHODS In a randomized prospective study conducted at a large tertiary-level maternity hospital and a private secondary-level clinic between November 2006 and November 2007, women with incomplete abortion were treated with either 600 μg of oral misoprostol (n=122) or manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) (n=120). All participants were requested to return for follow-up care on day 7 to determine the success of the treatment and to document their satisfaction with the method and the adverse effects experienced. RESULTS Sixteen percent of women (39/242) did not return for their follow-up visit and their outcomes are unknown. Among those who did return, 94% (100/106) of women showed successful completion of abortion after treatment with misoprostol, as compared with 100% (97/97) of women treated with MVA. Most women described their adverse effects after treatment as tolerable (misoprostol, 95%; MVA, 91%). Nearly all women reported being satisfied with their treatment (196/203); there were no differences among the women's reports of satisfaction according to treatment received. CONCLUSION An oral dose of 600 μg of misoprostol was found to be an acceptable and effective non-surgical option for treating incomplete abortion. Clinical trials.gov NCT00674232.
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Abstract
Forty per cent of the world's women are living in countries with restrictive abortion laws, which prohibit abortion or only allow abortion to protect a woman's life or her physical or mental health. In countries where abortion is restricted, women have to resort to clandestine interventions to have an unwanted pregnancy terminated. As a consequence, high rates of unsafe abortion are seen, such as in Sub-Saharan Africa where unsafe abortion occurs at rates of 18-39 per 1 000 women. The circumstances under which women obtain unsafe abortion vary and depend on traditional methods known and types of providers present. Health professionals are prone to use instrumental procedures to induce the abortion, whereas traditional providers often make a brew of herbs to be drunk in one or more doses. In countries with restrictive abortion laws, high rates of maternal death must be expected, and globally an estimated 66 500 women die every year as a result of unsafe abortions. In addition, a far larger number of women experience short- and long-term health consequences. To address the harmful health consequences of unsafe abortion, a postabortion care model has been developed and implemented with success in many countries where women do not have legal access to abortion. Postabortion care focuses on treatment of incomplete abortion and provision of postabortion contraceptive services. To enhance women's access to postabortion care, focus is increasingly being placed on upgrading midlevel providers to provide emergency treatment as well as implementing misoprostol as a treatment strategy for complications after unsafe abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vibeke Rasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
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Dabash R, Ramadan MC, Darwish E, Hassanein N, Blum J, Winikoff B. A randomized controlled trial of 400-μg sublingual misoprostol versus manual vacuum aspiration for the treatment of incomplete abortion in two Egyptian hospitals. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2011; 111:131-5. [PMID: 20801444 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2010] [Revised: 06/02/2010] [Accepted: 07/20/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare the safety, efficacy, and acceptability of 400-μg sublingual misoprostol with that of manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) in 2 Egyptian hospitals. METHODS Participating women were randomized to either MVA or misoprostol treatment for incomplete abortion. The primary outcome, complete uterine evacuation, was determined 1 week later, as were adverse effects, change in hemoglobin, acceptability, and satisfaction. RESULTS Complete uterine evacuation was achieved in 98.3% of women who received misoprostol and 99.7% who underwent MVA (relative risk [RR] 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97-1.00). A decrease in hemoglobin of 2g/dL or more was comparably rare in the 2 groups (0.3% misoprostol vs 0.9% MVA; RR 0.34 [95% CI, 0.04-3.21]). Mean change in hemoglobin was also clinically similar (-0.5 g/dL misoprostol vs -0.4 g/dL MVA; P<0.01). Heavy bleeding was rare (2.4% misoprostol vs 1.6% MVA; RR 1.55 [95% CI, 0.51-4.68]) following treatment. Nearly all women (96.8% misoprostol vs 98.3% MVA) were satisfied with their treatment but those who received misoprostol were significantly more likely to prefer that method in the future (81.9% vs 62.8%; RR 1.30 [95% CI, 1.19-1.43]). CONCLUSION The high efficacy, safety, and acceptability of 400-μg sublingual misoprostol indicate that it is analogous to surgery as a first-line treatment for incomplete abortion. Misoprostol might improve post-abortion care when resources are limited and surgical treatment is unavailable.
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Oral misoprostol as an alternative to surgical management for incomplete abortion in Ghana. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2010; 112:40-4. [PMID: 21122848 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2010.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2010] [Revised: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 10/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether 600-μg oral misoprostol is an effective alternative to manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) for the treatment of incomplete abortion. METHODS From June 16, 2004, to July 20, 2005, 230 women of reproductive age presenting with incomplete abortion were randomized in an open-label trial to either 600-μg oral misoprostol or MVA for the treatment of incomplete abortion. RESULTS Regardless of the assigned method, more than 98% of participants experienced complete uterine evacuation following initial treatment. Efficacy, acceptability, and satisfaction ratings were similar and high for both methods. CONCLUSION 600-μg oral misoprostol is a safe, effective, and acceptable alternative to MVA for the treatment of incomplete abortion.
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Paritakul P, Phupong V. Comparative study between oral and sublingual 600 µg misoprostol for the treatment of incomplete abortion. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2010; 36:978-83. [PMID: 20846257 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2010.01264.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate and compare effectiveness, side effects and patient acceptability between oral and sublingual 600 µg misoprostol for the treatment of incomplete abortion. METHODS A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Pregnant women of less than 14 weeks gestation, diagnosed with incomplete abortion, were randomly assigned to receive 600 µg misoprostol orally or sublingually. The patients were evaluated at 48 h after drug administration for complete abortion. RESULTS A total of 64 women were recruited to the study (32 in the oral group and 32 in the sublingual group). The complete abortion rate was not statistically different between oral and sublingual groups (87.5% versus 84.4%, P > 0.05). There was no statistical difference in side effects and satisfaction rate. Fever/chills were the most common side effects. CONCLUSION Both sublingual and oral 600 µg misoprostol are useful for the management of incomplete abortion. Side effects and satisfaction rates are not different. Thus, these methods may be used as alternative treatments of incomplete abortion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panwara Paritakul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Neilson JP, Gyte GML, Hickey M, Vazquez JC, Dou L. Medical treatments for incomplete miscarriage (less than 24 weeks). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2010:CD007223. [PMID: 20091626 PMCID: PMC4042279 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007223.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Miscarriage occurs in 10% to 15% of pregnancies. The traditional treatment, after miscarriage, has been to perform surgery to remove any remaining pregnancy tissues in the uterus. However, it has been suggested that drug-based medical treatments, or expectant care (no treatment), may also be effective, safe and acceptable. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness, safety and acceptability of any medical treatment for early incomplete miscarriage (before 24 weeks). SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (September 2009). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing medical treatment with expectant care or surgery. Quasi-randomised trials were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and carried out data extraction. Data entry was checked. MAIN RESULTS Fifteen studies (2750 women) were included, there were no studies on women over 13 weeks' gestation. Studies addressed a number of comparisons and data are therefore limited.Three trials compared misoprostol treatment (all vaginally administered) with expectant care. There was no significant difference in complete miscarriage (average risk ratio (RR) 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72 to 2.10; two studies, 150 women), or in the need for surgical evacuation (average RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.17 to 2.26; two studies, 308 women). There were few data on 'deaths or serious complications'.Nine studies involving 1766 women addressed the comparison of misoprostol (four oral, four vaginal, one vaginal + oral) with surgical evacuation. There was no statistically significant difference in complete miscarriage (average RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.00, eight studies, 1377 women) with success rate high for both methods. Overall, there were fewer surgical evacuations with misoprostol (average RR 0.07, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.18; eight studies, 1538 women) but more unplanned procedures (average RR 6.32, 95% CI 2.90 to 13.77; six studies, 1158 women). There were few data on 'deaths or serious complications'. Limited evidence suggests that women generally seem satisfied with their care. Long-term follow up from one included study identified no difference in subsequent fertility between the three approaches. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The available evidence suggests that medical treatment, with misoprostol, and expectant care are both acceptable alternatives to routine surgical evacuation given the availability of health service resources to support all three approaches. Women experiencing miscarriage at less than 13 weeks should be offered an informed choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Neilson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Gillian ML Gyte
- Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Martha Hickey
- The University of Melbourne, The Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Juan C Vazquez
- Departamento de Salud Reproductiva, Instituto Nacional de Endocrinologia (INEN), Habana, Cuba
| | - Lixia Dou
- Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Diop A, Raghavan S, Rakotovao JP, Comendant R, Blumenthal PD, Winikoff B. Two routes of administration for misoprostol in the treatment of incomplete abortion: a randomized clinical trial. Contraception 2009; 79:456-62. [PMID: 19442782 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2008.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2008] [Revised: 11/26/2008] [Accepted: 11/27/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to compare the safety, effectiveness and acceptability of 400 mcg sublingual misoprostol and 600 mcg oral misoprostol for treatment of incomplete abortion. STUDY DESIGN We used an open-label randomized controlled trial conducted from July 2005 to August 2006 in a large tertiary level maternity hospital in Antananarivo, Madagascar, and a large tertiary level hospital in Chisinau, Moldova. Three hundred consenting women seeking treatment for clinically diagnosed incomplete abortion with uterine size <or=12 weeks since last menstrual period were randomized to misoprostol either 600 mcg orally or 400 mcg sublingually. The primary outcome measure was the complete resolution of clinical signs and symptoms of incomplete abortion without need for surgical intervention. Women were seen for follow-up on Day 7 and, if necessary, on Day 14 to assess abortion status. The study was powered to detect a 7% difference in efficacy with a total of 142 women required in each arm. RESULTS Efficacy rates were 94.6% and 94.5%, for the oral and sublingual routes, respectively (RR: 1.00, 95% CI=0.95-1.06, p=.98). At 1 week follow-up, more than 80% of women had completed abortions (77.8% oral and 84.8% sublingual, p=.12). Mean pain scores were 2.95 and 3.04, respectively, for the oral and sublingual groups. Side effects included abdominal pain, bleeding, headaches and dizziness/weakness with no differences reported between the two groups. Acceptability and satisfaction were high for both routes and women indicated a preference for medical versus surgical treatment if ever needed in the future. CONCLUSIONS Both treatment regimens were very effective. Four hundred micrograms of sublingual misoprostol and 600 mcg oral misoprostol appear to have similar safety and effectiveness profiles when used for the treatment of incomplete abortion. A lower 400-mcg misoprostol dose may provide an alternative treatment option as well as have potential benefits in terms of cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayisha Diop
- Gynuity Health Projects, New York, NY 10010, USA.
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Plummer ML, Wamoyi J, Nyalali K, Mshana G, Shigongo ZS, Ross DA, Wight D. Aborting and suspending pregnancy in rural Tanzania: an ethnography of young people's beliefs and practices. Stud Fam Plann 2009; 39:281-92. [PMID: 19248715 DOI: 10.1111/j.1728-4465.2008.00175.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The World Health Organization estimates that 3.1 percent of East African women aged 15-44 have undergone unsafe abortions. This study presents findings regarding abortion practices and beliefs among adolescents and young adults in Tanzania, where abortion is illegal. From 1999 to 2002, six researchers carried out participant observation in nine villages and conducted group discussions and interviews in three others. Most informants opposed abortion as illegal, immoral, dangerous, or unacceptable without the man's consent, and many reported that ancestral spirits killed women who aborted clan descendants. Nonetheless, abortion was widely, if infrequently, attempted, by ingestion of laundry detergent, chloroquine, ashes, and specific herbs. Most women who attempted abortion were young, single, and desperate. Some succeeded, but they experienced opposition from sexual partners, sexual exploitation by practitioners, serious health problems, social ostracism, and quasi-legal sanctions. Many informants reported the belief that inopportune pregnancies could be suspended for months or years using traditional medicine. We conclude that improved reproductive health education and services are urgently needed in rural Tanzania.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary L Plummer
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT, United Kingdom.
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Blum J, Winikoff B, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Ho PC, Schiavon R, Weeks A. Treatment of incomplete abortion and miscarriage with misoprostol. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2007; 99 Suppl 2:S186-9. [PMID: 17961569 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijgo.2007.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A literature review was conducted to determine whether misoprostol is an effective treatment for incomplete abortion and, if so, to recommend an appropriate regimen. All English language articles published before October 2007 using misoprostol in at least one of the study arms were reviewed to determine the efficacy of misoprostol when used to treat incomplete abortion in the first trimester. All available unpublished data previously presented at international scientific meetings were also reviewed. Sufficient evidence was found in support of misoprostol as a safe and effective means of non-surgical uterine evacuation. A single dose of misoprostol 600 microg oral is recommended for treatment of incomplete abortion in women presenting with a uterine size equivalent to 12 weeks gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Blum
- Gynuity Health Projects, New York, NY 10010, USA.
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Gemzell-Danielsson K, Fiala C, Weeks A. Misoprostol: first-line therapy for incomplete miscarriage in the developing world. BJOG 2007; 114:1337-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2007.01491.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND In most pregnancies that miscarry, arrest of embryonic or fetal development occurs some time (often weeks) before the miscarriage occurs. Ultrasound examination can reveal abnormal findings during this phase by demonstrating anembryonic pregnancies or embryonic or fetal death. Treatment before 14 weeks has traditionally been surgical but medical treatments may be effective, safe, and acceptable, as may be waiting for spontaneous miscarriage. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness, safety and acceptability of any medical treatment for early pregnancy failure (anembryonic pregnancies or embryonic and fetal deaths before 24 weeks). SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trials Register (30 November 2005). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials comparing medical treatment with another treatment (e.g. surgical evacuation), or placebo, or no treatment for early pregnancy failure. Quasi-random studies were excluded. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were extracted unblinded. MAIN RESULTS Twenty four studies (1888 women) were included. Vaginal misoprostol hastens miscarriage (complete or incomplete) when compared with placebo: e.g. miscarriage less than 24 hours (two trials, 138 women, relative risk (RR) 4.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.70 to 8.28), with less need for uterine curettage (two trials, 104 women, RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.60) and no significant increase in nausea or diarrhoea. Lower-dose regimens of vaginal misoprostol tend to be less effective in producing miscarriage (three trials, 247 women, RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.00) with similar incidence of nausea. There seems no clear advantage to administering a 'wet' preparation of vaginal misoprostol or of adding methotrexate, or of using laminaria tents after 14 weeks. Vaginal misoprostol is more effective than vaginal prostaglandin E in avoiding surgical evacuation. Oral misoprostol was less effective than vaginal misoprostol in producing complete miscarriage (two trials, 218 women, RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.99). Sublingual misoprostol had equivalent efficacy to vaginal misoprostol in inducing complete miscarriage but was associated with more frequent diarrhoea. The two trials of mifepristone treatment generated conflicting results. There was no statistically significant difference between vaginal misoprostol and gemeprost in the induction of miscarriage for fetal death after 13 weeks. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Available evidence from randomised trials supports the use of vaginal misoprostol as a medical treatment to terminate non-viable pregnancies before 24 weeks. Further research is required to assess effectiveness and safety, optimal route of administration and dose. Conflicting findings about the value of mifepristone need to be resolved by additional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Neilson
- University of Liverpool, Division of Perinatal and Reproductive Medicine, First Floor, Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, Crown Street, Liverpool, UK L8 7SS.
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