Abortion induced with methotrexate and misoprostol.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the outcome and side effects of a new drug protocol to induce abortion.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
An urban primary care practice.


METHODS
One hundred consecutive patients who requested elective termination of pregnancies of less than 8 weeks' gestation.


METHODS
Subjects received methotrexate (50 mg/m2 body surface area, administered intramuscularly) and, 3 days afterward, misoprostol (800 micrograms, given vaginally).


METHODS
Number of abortions induced within 24 hours and within 10 days of misoprostol administration, number of surgical aspirations conducted because of incomplete abortion, mean amount of bleeding and pain and the number of women who, if faced with the same situation, said they would again choose a drug-induced abortion over a surgical one.


RESULTS
Abortion occurred within 24 hours of misoprostol administration among 48 women and within 10 days among 69 women. In total, 89 women had an abortion without surgical aspiration. Of these women, 71 said they would choose a drug-induced abortion if faced with the choice again.


CONCLUSIONS
Abortion induced with methotrexate and misoprostol appears to be a feasible alternative to surgical abortion and deserves further study.
Wiebe
E R
ER
Department of Family Practice, University of British Columbia, Vancouver.
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D016595:Misoprostol; D008727:Methotrexate