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Medical management of first trimester miscarriage: a quality improvement initiative
  1. Deirdre Hayes-Ryan1,
  2. Sharon Cooley1,
  3. Brian Cleary2,3
  1. 1 Early Pregnancy Unit, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
  2. 2 School of Pharmacy, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
  3. 3 Pharmacy, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
  1. Correspondence to Dr Deirdre Hayes-Ryan, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, D01 P5W9, Ireland; deirdre.hayesryan{at}hse.ie

Abstract

Introduction Medical management of first trimester pregnancy loss is a safe option that is well tolerated and affords women more autonomy in relation to their care. Recent trials provide robust evidence that mifepristone pretreatment is the optimal approach for women with missed miscarriage who desire medical management.

Methods Following a change in medical management of first trimester miscarriage in our unit, we conducted a retrospective audit over a 3-month period of all women who had elected medical management as their primary treatment option. We compared the results with a previous audit that had been undertaken prior to the change in practice.

Results The implementation of mifepristone resulted in an increased effectiveness of primary medical treatment for first trimester miscarriage from 53.8% to 85.2% (p=<0.001).

Discussion The results of our study support the introduction of mifepristone into routine clinical practice for medical management of first trimester pregnancy loss across all maternity units.

  • gynaecology
  • evidence-based medicine
  • pharmacy service
  • hospital
  • clinical medicine
  • quality assurance
  • health care

Data availability statement

Data are available upon reasonable request. All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information. Data available upon reasonable request.

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Data availability statement

Data are available upon reasonable request. All data relevant to the study are included in the article or uploaded as supplementary information. Data available upon reasonable request.

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