Abortifacient power of potassium permanganate rebirth of an archaic myth: Case report

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Potassium permanganate has been historically used as an abortifacient, but it is now considered an outdated practice. Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness as an abortifacient, some communities still hold misguided beliefs about its abortifacient properties. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 38-year-old multiparous North African woman. Who experienced excessive vaginal bleeding after using potassium permanganate as an abortifacient. The examination revealed carbonized ulcerated lesions on the vaginal walls and cervix. Once the patient was stabilized, the medical team performed sutures on the vaginal lesions and inserted an intravaginal tampon to arrest the bleeding. The patient was discharged after 72 h. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: In the last century, potassium permanganate was utilized as a method of abortion, but this practice has gradually fallen out of use. Regrettably, due to misinformation and a lack of comprehensive documentation, certain underdeveloped regions persist in employing this unsafe approach. The aim of this report is to inform obstetricians about the harmful effects of potassium permanganate, and the injuries it can cause. Given the scarcity and age of published reports on the subject, this document highlights the crucial importance of proper management to prevent these practices and ensure the safety of the women concerned. CONCLUSIONS: The use of potassium permanganate in abortion presents serious risks, and despite its outdated nature, false beliefs about its abortifacient properties persist. Raising awareness among healthcare professionals and the general public is crucial in preventing the harmful effects of these erroneous beliefs.