The case of a woman with one previous Caesarean section, and severe pre-eclampsia at term, who self administered misoprostol by the vaginal route - without its being prescribed - in an attempt to avoid repeat caesarean section, is described. She eventually had vaginal delivery of a live female infant with cardiopulmonary depression; the delivery was not complicated by symptomatic uterine rupture. The potential for abuse of misoprostol, and the need to control distribution of the drug are discussed.

Tropical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol. 23(1) 2006: 83-84