Trends in misoprostol use and abortion complications: A cross-sectional study from nine referral hospitals in Nigeria

Objective The study aimed to assess the use of misoprostol and complications associated with abortions in referral hospitals in Nigeria, a country with restrictive abortion laws. Methods A cross-sectional study at nine referral hospitals in South-west Nigeria. Nine years’ data were retrieved from medical records, including 699 induced abortions. Independent variable was the method of abortion; dependent variables were complications, need for treatment and mortality. Statistical significance was tested with Chi-square, Fishers’ exact and chi-square for trend tests (p<0.05). Results There were 699 induced abortions amongst 2,463 abortions found in records. Nearly 70% were surgical abortions, but misoprostol use significantly increased over the study period in a linear trend (Χ 2 trend: 30.96, P <0.001). Patients who used misoprostol were significantly less likely to have infectious morbidity, genital tract injuries or medical complications. There was no difference in incomplete abortion in the groups. Patients were more likely to have in-patient care with surgical abortions (p<0.001), to need prolonged antibiotic regimens (p = 0.003), need further surgeries or additional specialist care (p = 0.009). Conclusion Misoprostol abortion has significantly increased over time, and was associated with less morbidity and need for further treatment, in this study. It appears to be the safer option.