Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
17:28
Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Based Developmental Toxicity Assays for Chemical Safety Screening and Systems Biology Data Generation
Published on: June 17, 2015
[Developmental toxicity of misoprostol: an update]
1Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile. fernanda.cavieres@uv.cl
Revista Medica De Chile
|September 1, 2011
Summary
Misoprostol, used for pregnancy termination, can lead to birth defects like limb and Moebius syndrome if abortion attempts fail. Increased reporting highlights the risks of unsupervised use.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Teratology
- Public Health
Context:
- Misoprostol, a prostaglandin E1 analog, is used for antiulcer and obstetric purposes, including pregnancy termination.
- Unsupervised use of misoprostol for abortion, particularly in regions where it is illegal, is a growing concern.
- Previous studies had not established a strong link between in utero misoprostol exposure and birth defects.
Purpose:
- To review current scientific data on the risk of congenital anomalies following failed attempts at medical abortion with misoprostol.
- To evaluate the association between in utero exposure to misoprostol and the induction of birth defects.
- To update the understanding of teratogenic risks associated with misoprostol in pregnancy termination.
Summary:
- Failed misoprostol-induced abortions can result in in utero exposure, increasing the risk of birth defects such as limb and joint abnormalities and Moebius syndrome.
- While generally considered safe, up to 15% of misoprostol-induced abortions may be unsuccessful, even under medical supervision.
- The illegal status of abortion in some regions drives unsupervised use of misoprostol, potentially elevating the incidence of congenital defects.
Impact:
- Highlights the potential teratogenic effects of misoprostol, emphasizing the need for medical supervision during pregnancy termination.
- Informs public health strategies and clinical guidelines regarding the safe use of misoprostol.
- Contributes to the ongoing debate on reproductive rights and the consequences of unsafe abortion practices.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Prostaglandin Analogs as Mucosal Protective Agents
The gastric mucosa produces prostaglandins E2 (PGE2) and prostacyclin (PGI2), crucial in maintaining gastric health. They exert cytoprotective effects, including increasing bicarbonate secretion, releasing protective mucin, reducing gastric acid output, and preventing harmful vasoconstriction. These effects are mediated through various receptors, such as EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce peptic ulcers by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, decreasing...
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:07Intestinal Obstruction II: Pathophysiology
Intestinal obstruction triggers a series of physiological responses, starting with gas and fluid accumulation in the bowel segment proximal to the obstruction, leading to distension. This distended intestine compresses the diaphragm, hindering lung expansion and potentially leading to reduced respiratory effort, atelectasis, and pneumonia.To overcome the blockage, the gut intensifies contractions, causing colicky abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, which reduces fluid and food intake and...
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota
The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
01:00Drug Toxicity: Overview
Drug toxicity quantifies the harm a compound causes to an organism, varying by dose and potentially impacting whole systems or specific organs like the liver. Toxic reactions may arise from venomous insect or spider bites, with effects ranging from mild symptoms to severe outcomes such as brain damage or death. Common forms of acute poisoning include ethanol intoxication and overdose of pain or fever medications, with substances like GHB and heroin being particularly lethal at doses close to...