Dose and side effects of sublingual misoprostol for treatment of postpartum hemorrhage: what difference do they make?

ABSTRACT:

Background

Shivering and fever are common side effects of misoprostol. An unexpectedly high rate of fever above 40°C was documented among Ecuadorian women given treatment with 800mcg of sublingual misoprostol to manage postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (36%). Much lower rates have been reported elsewhere (0-9%).

Methods

From February to July 2010, an open-label pilot study was conducted in Quito, Ecuador to determine whether a lower dose--600mcg sublingual misoprostol--would result in a lower incidence of high fever (≥40°C). Rates of shivering and fever with 600mcg sublingual regimen were compared to previously documented rates in Ecuador following PPH treatment with 800mcg sublingual misoprostol.

Results

The 600mcg dose resulted in a 55% lower rate of high fever compared w

SUBMITTER: Leon W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3434079 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature