[Fetal complications after failed pregnancy termination in the first trimester]

Two different methods are in use for induction of abortion: either dilation and curettage (D & C) or medical termination with antigestagens and/or prostaglandins. The risk of continuing pregnancy after D & C ranges from 0.023 to 1% and is inversely correlated with gestational age.

Several authors reported fetal anomalies (limb and oro-facial defects) in such cases. For the medical induction of abortion a combination of Mifepristone and Misoprostole is the treatment of choice in order to reduce the risk of ongoing pregnancy. Using single drug therapy carries an increased risk of failure and of subsequent fetal anomaly. There seems to be an increased incidence of limb defects and Möbius' syndrome in fetuses born after failed termination of pregnancy, but normal fetal development is entirely possible.

The patients concerned must be informed in detail of the risks and probable consequences which must be included in the counselling concept of the treating gynaecologist.