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Semin Reprod Med 2008; 26(5): 411-422
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1087107
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Medical Management of Early Pregnancy Failure: Efficacy

Beatrice A. Chen1 , Mitchell D. Creinin1 , 2
  • 1Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • 2Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Publication History

Publication Date:
29 September 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Early pregnancy failure is a common pregnancy complication. This article reviews the efficacy of medical management of early pregnancy failure. Nonsurgical treatments, including expectant and medical management, are reasonable alternatives to surgical management depending on the clinical situation and the patient's requests. Possible regimens in medical management of early pregnancy failure include misoprostol alone or mifepristone in conjunction with misoprostol. However, many studies of medical management may underestimate success rates due to inconsistent inclusion criteria, different dosing regimens, and varying definitions of failed treatment. Clinicians need to understand the range of efficacy of these regimens to provide appropriate counseling to patients.

KEYWORDS

Early pregnancy failure - miscarriage - missed abortion - misoprostol - mifepristone

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Beatrice A ChenM.D. 

Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Magee-Womens Hospital, 300 Halket Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Email: chenba@upmc.edu