Abortion failure after illegal use of misoprostol--a case report

To report on a unique medical situation after self-obtained use of misoprostol in a country where abortion is illegal.

A 29-year-old woman was seen at 12 weeks' gestation with a history of use of 10,800 microg of misoprostol orally and vaginally over the preceding six weeks. She had experienced mild-to-moderate pelvic pain but no vaginal bleeding. Because the pregnancy was intrauterine and viable, surgical termination could not be carried out. The risks of fetal congenital anomalies due to in utero exposure to misoprostol were discussed with the patient. A detailed ultrasonography at 16 weeks' gestation revealed no anomaly. Vaginal delivery at 38 weeks' gestation resulted in the birth of a baby without discernible congenital anomalies.

In countries where abortion is illegal, women should be informed about the risks associated with unsupervised self-induced abortion with misoprostol.