The authors present a case of a 38 years old woman, 21 weeks pregnant, that went to the emergency department, where she gave birth to a stillborn male fetus. A gynaecological examination revealed three partially dissolved tablets in the vagina. Chemical laboratory tests on the tablets showed they were Misoprostol (MP) tablets. Autopsy results and histopathological findings on the fetus and the placenta were compatible with death related to the action of that molecule. According to the results, this is a case of illegal abortion induced by MP. The easy availability of this drug, given its common primary use in the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcer and rheumatic diseases, explains the more frequent finding in cases of non-hospitalized abortions, especially in the second trimester of pregnancy. In such cases, when there is the suspicion of an illegal abortion, the research of that drug is therefore recommended.

Abortion caused by intravaginal self-administration of misoprostol: a case report / Martina Focardi, Antonella Bosco, Francesca Castiglione, Gian Luca Bartolucci, Barbara Gualco, Valentina Bugelli. - In: REVISTA DE MEDICINA LEGALA. - ISSN 1221-8618. - STAMPA. - 27:(2019), pp. 340-342. [10.4323/rjlm.2019.340]

Abortion caused by intravaginal self-administration of misoprostol: a case report

Martina Focardi
;
Antonella Bosco;Francesca Castiglione;Gian Luca Bartolucci;Barbara Gualco;Valentina Bugelli
2019

Abstract

The authors present a case of a 38 years old woman, 21 weeks pregnant, that went to the emergency department, where she gave birth to a stillborn male fetus. A gynaecological examination revealed three partially dissolved tablets in the vagina. Chemical laboratory tests on the tablets showed they were Misoprostol (MP) tablets. Autopsy results and histopathological findings on the fetus and the placenta were compatible with death related to the action of that molecule. According to the results, this is a case of illegal abortion induced by MP. The easy availability of this drug, given its common primary use in the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcer and rheumatic diseases, explains the more frequent finding in cases of non-hospitalized abortions, especially in the second trimester of pregnancy. In such cases, when there is the suspicion of an illegal abortion, the research of that drug is therefore recommended.
2019
27
340
342
Goal 3: Good health and well-being for people
Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions
Martina Focardi, Antonella Bosco, Francesca Castiglione, Gian Luca Bartolucci, Barbara Gualco, Valentina Bugelli
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Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/1217911
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