Induction of abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol in early pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the clinical efficacy of the combination of mifepristone and an orally active prostaglandin, misoprostol, for early medical termination.


METHODS
Women with amenorrhoea < or = 56 days were given 200 mg mifepristone. 48 h later, 600 micrograms misoprostol was given orally.


METHODS
Medical Termination Unit, Simpson Memorial Maternity Pavilion, Edinburgh.


METHODS
100 women requesting medical termination of pregnancy.


METHODS
Evacuation of uterus for incomplete abortion or on-going pregnancies.


RESULTS
One woman had an incomplete abortion prior to administration of misoprostol. 92 (93%) out of 99 women had complete abortion following administration of misoprostol. There were three on-going pregnancies (3.0%, 95% confidence limits (CL) 0.6-8.6) and four incomplete abortions with this regimen (4.0%, 95% CL 1.1-10.0). 24% women vomited and 7% had diarrhoea following administration of misoprostol. 62% did not require any analgesia.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of misoprostol with mifepristone is inexpensive, simple, effective, noninvasive and an acceptable alternative to current regimens for medical termination.
Thong
K J
KJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Edinburgh, UK.
Baird
D T
DT
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy
D016595:Misoprostol; D015735:Mifepristone