Abstract
BACKGROUND: Misoprostol is a preferred medical agent for managing early pregnancy loss. However, the optimal protocol, particularly repeat dosing, remains a topic of debate. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a second dose of misoprostol in women with incomplete uterine evacuation after the first dose, and to examine sonographic findings and demographic data to identify factors associated with successful treatment. METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study of electronic medical records from a tertiary university-affiliated hospital. We identified women who had early pregnancy loss and received a second dose of misoprostol vaginally after an incomplete response to the first dose. RESULTS: A second dose of misoprostol achieved a 49% success rate for uterine evacuation without surgical intervention. Demographic and obstetric characteristics were similar in both the intervention and non-intervention groups; 44% of delayed miscarriages and 49% of anembryonic pregnancies with an intact sac persisted after the second dose (p<0.001). Delayed miscarriage and anembryonic pregnancy after the first dose significantly increased the odds of surgical intervention (delayed miscarriage: odds ratio (OR) 4.138, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.513-11.317; anembryonic pregnancy: OR 2.921, 95% CI 1.349-6.326). CONCLUSION: A second dose of misoprostol offers effective care. Sonographic results after the first dose help forecast the need for surgical intervention.