Objective: To compare the incidence and profiles of misoprostol side effects given per rectal for treating postpartum haemorrhage in vaginal delivery versus cesarean section.
Methods: A prospective observational study involving 40 women delivered by vaginal birth (VD) and 40 by Cesarean Section (CS) was undertaken in a gynecology ward of a hospital in West Java. The incidence of misoprostol’s side effects was identified through patient observation and medical note review. The side effect probability was rated by the panellists of healthcare providers. Patient characteristics and side effect data were summarized descriptively. The incidence rates of misoprostol’s side effect between the two groups were compared using Z-test.
Results: Thirty-four patients (85.0%) in the VD group experienced side effects, whilst all CS patients reported at least one side effect. There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients having side effects in the two groups (p=0.366). There were 135 and 164 side effects in the VD group and CS group, respectively. There was no discernible difference in side effect profile between the two groups. Gastrointestinal side effects accounted for the most frequent side effects. Regarding the side effect probability, the panellists rated all side effects in VD patients as probable. Meanwhile, around70% of side effects in CS patients were regarded as probable leaving the remaining as definite.
Conclusions: High incidence of misoprostol’s side effects was documented both in VD and CS patients. The incidence rates and side effect profile between the two delivery modes were quite similar.