ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expectant management as a treatment option for cases of uncomplicated incomplete first trimester miscarriage and to compare the clinical results to that of the standard dilatation and curettage (D & C) procedure.

STUDY DESIGN: Randomized prospective clinical study.

SETTING: Military referral hospital.

SUBJECTS: Hundred and twenty women were eligible and entered the study during the period from January to December 1998. They were admitted to King Khalid Military City Hospital, K.S.A. with the diagnosis of incomplete first trimester miscarriage.

INTERVENTION: Sixty women were randomized for expectant management and equal number had standard D & C operation. Both groups were followed up clinically and by transvaginal ultrasonography.

RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the number of days of pain, days until return to normal menstruation and haemoglobin concentration. There was significant increase in the duration of vaginal bleeding in the expectant group (P