Termination of pregnancy at 9-13 weeks' amenorrhoea with mifepristone and misoprostol

[Conflicting recommendations between the French national authority for health (HAS) and clinical practice guidelines (CNGOF); focus on 200 late medical abortions, conducted outside marketing authorizations]

OBJECTIVES

There are conflicting recommandations about late medical abortion: the French National College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF) and the French Superior Health Authority are opposed. The aim was to assess misoprostol's efficiency in medical abortions at 9 to 14 weeks gestational age (GA) METHODS: This is an epidemiologic retrospective study led from March 2017 till January 2019, in Evreux's hospital, France, including all patients undergoing a medical abortion from 9 to 14 weeks GA. We followed the CNGOF's recommandations published in 2016. The main efficacy parameter was the failure rate of medical abortion at 9 to 14 weeks GA. The secondary efficacy parameters were the number of patients absent at the post-medical abortion examination, the consumption of misoprostol, the consumption of symptomatic treatment, the type of complication and the length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

200 patients were included: 19 patients had vacuum aspiration, so we report a 10.2 % failure rate (95% CI: 6.4%; 15.7%). 7 (3.5%) had vacuum aspiration for haemorrhage (2 (1%) receveived a blood transfusion) 9 (4.5%) had a vacuum aspiration for failure and 3 (1.5%) for retention. 71 (35.5%) patients were absent at the post-medical abortion examination. The mean consumption of misoprostol was 1234μg (441). The mean length of hospital stay was 12.2hours (8.28).

CONCLUSIONS

The abortion failure rate is 10.2%. Our study didn't report any elements of bad tolerance of misoprostol in this indication.

Short versus Standard Mifepristone and Misoprostol Regimen for Second- and Third-Trimester Termination of Pregnancy for Fetal Anomaly

Background: Termination of pregnancy requires a 48-hour ‘window' between mifepristone and misoprostol. Shorter durations have been used in first-trimester termination, but there are few data available in later termination for fetal anomaly. Material and Methods: We reviewed all terminations for fetal anomaly at ≥13 weeks from May 2013 to May 2014. Cases were managed using a short (≤12 h) or standard (≥36 h) mifepristone-to-misoprostol interval. Results: Two hundred and twenty women underwent a termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly during the study period, of which 119 were included for analysis. Sixty-six (55%) women were managed according to the short regimen and 53 (45%) women with the standard regimen. The short regimen resulted in a shorter mifepristone-to-delivery interval but was less likely to result in delivery within 12 h of misoprostol. Delivery rates at 24 h were equivocal. There was no difference in blood loss, vaginal delivery rates, complications or bed nights. The short regimen did require more doses of misoprostol. Feticide or previous uterine scar had no effect on outcomes. Discussion: There was no significant difference in clinical outcome for women managed with a short (≤12 h) or a standard (≥36 h) regimen for medical termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly, suggesting that either regimen could be offered.

Comparative Study of Misoprostol in First and Second Trimester Abortions by Oral, Sublingual, and Vaginal Routes

OBJECTIVE

To identify an effective misoprostol-only regimen for termination of pregnancy between 12 and 20 weeks of gestation, a prospective randomized study comparing sublingual, vaginal, and oral routes of administration of misoprostol was done.

METHODS

One hundred and fifty women (12-20 weeks gestation) were randomly divided into three groups and given 400 mcg misoprostol sublingually, vaginally, and orally every 4 h up to a maximum of four doses. Primary outcome was the success rate at 24 h. Secondary outcomes were failure rate, induction-abortion interval, and need for surgical intervention. Various side effects and patients' subjective assessment of comfort with the route of administration were also studied.

RESULTS

Success rate at 24 h of sublingual (86 %) group was higher compared to oral (64 %) group (P = 0.011). Complete abortion rate of sublingual (76 %) group was higher than that of oral (48 %) group (P = 0.004). There was no significant difference in the failure rate and need for surgical intervention in the three groups. Induction-abortion interval in sublingual (9.8 ± 3.6 h) and vaginal (10.6 ± 2.9 h) groups was shorter than that in oral group (14.3 ± 3.3). Diarrhea occurred significantly more in the oral group (28 %) and sublingual (22 %) compared to vaginal group (6 %). Fever was significantly higher in vaginal (36 %) than that in the oral group (12 %). Oral route of administration was most comfortable.

CONCLUSION

Sublingual route results in significantly higher abortion rate compared to oral route. Vaginal route has efficacy similar to sublingual route.

[Medical abortion from 12 through 14 weeks' gestation: a retrospective study with 126 patients]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of medical abortion performed according to a single protocol from 12 through 14 weeks.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study of medical abortions from 12 through 14 weeks performed from January 2007 through March 2009. The protocol combined 600 mg de mifepristone orally, followed 48 h later by 400 μg of misoprostol, administered orally, and repeated after 3h, four times a day (during two days), if patient did not begin to abort. Outcome measures were the abortion rate, the rate of complication, the rate of manual uterine revision or vacuum aspiration, the time of expulsion and the misoprostol dose.

RESULTS

The study included 126 medical abortions. The abortion rate was 98% and the secondary manual revision or vacuum aspiration rate was 41%. The mean time to expulsion was 10.4 (±8.8)h, and the mean misoprostol dose 1040 (±420) μg. Higher parity was significantly correlated with shorter time to expulsion (P=0.02).

CONCLUSION

Medical abortion was consistently effective from 12 through 14 weeks but with high rate of secondary manual revision or vacuum aspiration.

Two medical abortion regimens for late first-trimester termination of pregnancy: a prospective randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Medical abortion regimens based on the use of either misoprostol alone or in association with mifepristone have shown high efficacy and excellent safety profile in early pregnancy abortion. However, no clear recommendation is available for late first-trimester termination of pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective randomized controlled trial included 122 women seeking medical abortion at 9 to 12 weeks of gestation. Seventy-three patients were given a fixed protocol of 200 mg of mifepristone followed 48 h later by 400 mcg oral misoprostol (Group 1). The second group of 49 patients was administered 800-mcg intravaginal single-dose misoprostol (Group 2). This study sought to compare safety, efficacy and acceptability of these two nonsurgical abortion regimens.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine (80.8%) women in Group 1 had complete abortion vs. 38 (77.4%) women in Group 2 (p=.66). Abdominal pain was observed significantly more often in Group 2 (35/49 (71.4%) vs. 32/73 (43.8%) in Group 1, p<.0001. Medical abortion was equally acceptable among the two groups [37/49 (75.5%) and 55/73 (75.7%), p=.89].

CONCLUSION

For late first-trimester termination, a single 800-mcg vaginal dose of misoprostol seems to be as effective as the mifepristone+misoprostol regimen, with acceptable side effects.

Sublingual versus oral misoprostol for uterine evacuation following early pregnancy failure

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of misoprostol administered sublingually or orally for uterine evacuation after early pregnancy failure.

METHOD

Forty-eight hours after receiving 200 mg of mifepristone orally, 100 women were randomized to receive misoprostol sublingually or orally.

RESULTS

The evacuation rates were 92% in the sublingual and 84% in the oral administration group; the mean+/-SD induction-to-evacuation intervals were 5.6+/-4.54 hours and 9.44+/-5.61 hours, this difference being significant; and the adverse effects were similar in the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

The sublingual route was found to be as effective but faster than the oral route for uterine evacuation after early pregnancy failure.

A comparison of women's, providers' and ultrasound assessments of pregnancy duration among termination of pregnancy clients in South Africa

OBJECTIVE

To compare providers' and women's estimates of duration of pregnancy with ultrasound estimates for determining medical abortion eligibility.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Public termination of pregnancy (TOP) services in three provinces.

SAMPLE

A total of 673 women attending the above services for TOP.

METHODS

Women participating in a medical abortion feasibility study in South Africa provided estimates of pregnancy duration and date of last menstrual period (LMP). Each woman also had clinical and ultrasound exams. We compared estimates using the four methods, calculating the proportion of women in the 'caution zone' (< or = 8 weeks gestation by woman or provider estimate and > 8 weeks by ultrasound).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Mean gestational age by each method; difference between provider and LMP estimates and ultrasound estimates; and percentage of women in the 'caution zone'.

RESULTS

Women's estimates of pregnancy duration were 19 days fewer than ultrasound estimates (95% CI = -27 to 63). Mean provider- and LMP-based estimates were two (95% CI = -30 to 35) and less than one day(s) (95% CI = -46 to 51) fewer than ultrasound estimates. Comparing provider and ultrasound estimates, 15% of women were in the 'caution zone'; this fell to 12% if estimates of 9 weeks or fewer were considered acceptable.

CONCLUSIONS

Provider estimates of gestational age were sufficiently accurate for determining eligibility for medical abortion. LMP-based estimates were also accurate on average, but included more extreme differences from ultrasound estimates. Medical abortion could be provided in TOP facilities without ultrasound or with ultrasound on referral.

Mifepristone Followed in 24 Hours to 48 Hours by Misoprostol for Late First-Trimester Abortion

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the efficacy of mifepristone and misoprostol for the termination of pregnancies in the late first trimester.

METHODS

This was a prospective study of 321 women seeking termination of pregnancy with gestations from 64 days to 84 days (+/-3 days) by vaginal ultrasonography. Women were enrolled at three sites: University of Rochester Reproductive Health Program in Rochester, New York; Hung Vuong Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and K.E.M. Hospital in Pune, India. Eligible women received 800 mcg of misoprostol vaginally between 24 hours and 48 hours after administration of 200 mg mifepristone. Two additional doses of 400 mcg of misoprostol were administered either orally or vaginally as needed every 3 hours for a maximum of two additional doses (total 1,600 mcg). The primary study outcome measure was complete abortion without surgical intervention.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine percent of women who completed the study successfully terminated their pregnancies. Most women were either satisfied (64.8%) or very satisfied (28.6%) with their experience. Ninety-four percent of women reported that they would recommend the procedure to a friend. Most women (90.4%) also agreed they would request a medical abortion if they required another abortion at this gestational age.

CONCLUSION

Medical abortion is acceptable and effective in the late first trimester and offers women an acceptable alternative to surgical abortion.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Can mifepristone medical abortion be simplified? A review of the evidence and questions for future research

Mifepristone medical abortion has been a valuable addition to the reproductive health options of women. Aspects of its provision have however sometimes limited its accessibility and use. This article summarizes existing evidence for simplifying the provision of medical abortion and thus increasing its availability. We identify three ways through which medical abortion provision might be simplified based on existing evidence and suggest five additional simplifications that require further research to confirm their safety and efficacy.

Clinical applications of mifepristone

Mifepristone is a progesterone antagonist that has been studied for a number of clinical applications. It is a well-known abortifacient that is effective for both first- and second-trimester medical abortion when used with a prostaglandin analog. It is also an effective cervical priming agent that can be used to soften the cervix before surgical evacuation. Its clinical efficacy as an emergency contraception has been proven. Other applications including treatment for fibroids, endometriosis and various cancers have been explored. However, its association with abortion limits the applications of mifepristone in many of these areas.

Mifepristone-induced abortion in one horn and a growing fetus in another horn in a patient with a twin pregnancy in a bicornuate uterus

OBJECTIVE

To report a case of mifepristone-induced abortion in only one horn but a growing fetus in another horn for a twin pregnancy in a bicornuate uterus.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan.

PATIENT(S)

A 31-year-old woman who conceived spontaneously presented with 37 days' gestation.

INTERVENTION(S)

Mifepristone 600 mg orally followed by misoprostol 400 mug orally 2 days later.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Termination of pregnancy.

RESULT(S)

Induced abortion in only one horn but a growing fetus in another horn for a twin pregnancy in the bicornuate uterus detected by ultrasound. Surgical abortion with vacuum curettage was performed, and menstruation resumed 1 month later.

CONCLUSION(S)

As medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol becomes more prevalent, more studies are necessary to establish the dosage and regimens for multiple pregnancies associated with uterine anomalies.

Consistency of medical abortion efficacy from 5 through 14 weeks’ gestation

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of medical abortion performed according to a single protocol from 5 through 14 weeks.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study of medical abortions through 14 weeks performed from January 2000 through August 2001. The protocol combined 400mg of mifepristone orally, followed 48 h later by 800 microg of misoprostol, administered vaginally, and repeated after 4 h if the patient did not begin to abort. Outcome measures were the abortion rate, the rates of immediate manual uterine revision and of secondary vacuum aspiration, the time to expulsion, the misoprostol dose, and analgesic use.

RESULTS

The study included 512 medical abortions. The abortion rate was 98.4% and the secondary vacuum aspiration rate 8.2%. The uterine exploration rate was 1.4%, but these occurred only at gestations above 13 weeks. The mean time to expulsion was 4.4+/-1.9 h (1-28), and the mean misoprostol dose 860+/-180 microg (0-2000). None of the characteristics studied differed significantly as a function of gestation. 1.6% of patients had complications.

CONCLUSION

Medical abortion was consistently effective through 14 weeks and can be offered as an alternative to the surgical technique.

Mid-trimester induced abortion: a review

Mid-trimester abortion constitutes 10-15% of all induced abortion. The aim of this article is to provide a review of the current literature of mid-trimester methods of abortion with respect to efficacy, side effects and acceptability. There have been continuing efforts to improve the abortion technology in terms of effectiveness, technical ease of performance, acceptability and reduction of side effects and complications. During the last decade, medical methods for mid-trimester induced abortion have shown a considerable development and have become safe and more accessible. The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol is now an established and highly effective method for termination of pregnancy (TOP). Advantages and disadvantages of medical versus surgical methods are discussed. Randomized studies are lacking, and more studies on pain treatment and the safety of any method used in patients with a previous uterine scar are debated, and data are scarce. Pain management in abortion requires special attention. This review highlights the need for randomized studies to set guidelines for mid-trimester abortion methods in terms of safety and acceptability as well as for better analgesic regimens.

Patient preference in a randomized study comparing medical and surgical abortion at 10-13 weeks gestation

The aim of this study was to assess women's preferences and acceptability of medical (MA) and surgical abortion (SA) at 10-13 weeks gestation. This was a partially randomized patient preference trial. Women were offered to enter the randomized arm of the trial. Those who expressed a strong preference for a method were entered into the preference arm. A total of 368 women were randomized (188 medical and 180 surgical) while 77 entered the preference arm (15 medical and 62 surgical). Prior to abortion, 253 women (72%) indicated a preference for MA while 98 (28%) showed a preference for surgery (p < .0001). Despite having a preference for a particular method, women were content with alternatives. Women were more likely to choose the same abortion method again if they had shown a preference for that method prior to abortion (p = .002 and .01 for MA and SA, respectively). The availability of MA is an important option for many women who wish to avoid surgery or anesthesia and should now be offered routinely in the late first trimester.

Medical abortion for Australian women: it's time

Medical termination of pregnancy with mifepristone, a progesterone antagonist, is available to women in North America, the United Kingdom, much of Western Europe, Russia, China, Israel, New Zealand, Turkey and Tunisia, but not Australia. Experience of mifepristone use in around two million abortions has shown that it is safe, effective, cheap to produce, and highly acceptable to women. Mifepristone is usually used in combination with a prostaglandin analogue, such as misoprostol; these drugs have been added to the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines for developing countries. Availability of this drug in Australia might largely overcome many of the inequities of access to abortion, and is critical for many women in rural areas and women in some ethnic groups whose access to surgical abortion is limited.

Failed medical termination of twin pregnancy with mifepristone: a case report

Medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol is a two-step process where some women will change their minds about going through the abortion process after taking mifepristone. Of these, some pregnancies will continue. A woman with a twin pregnancy who changed her mind is presented. Twin pregnancies may need higher dosages of mifepristone than single pregnancies due to the presence of two corpora lutea and increased amount of trophoblast tissue. There is little, if any, documentation regarding congenital abnormalities after taking mifepristone. Therefore, there is little evidence to support persuasion of the patient to continue the abortion process with the prostaglandin analouge.

Analgesia requirements and predictors of analgesia use for women undergoing medical abortion up to 22 weeks of gestation

OBJECTIVE

To assess analgesia use and the predictors for requiring analgesia in women undergoing medical abortion at all gestations up to 22 weeks.

DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Scotland.

POPULATION

Consecutive women undergoing medical abortion under the terms of the 1967 Abortion Act.

METHODS

Analgesia requirements and characteristics of women undergoing abortion were analysed using logistic regression.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The effect of age, gestation, reproductive history, route and dose of misoprostol administration on analgesia requirements.

RESULTS

Of the total 4343 women included in this review, 3139 women (72%) required analgesia. Of these, 3054 women (97%) used oral analgesia, 75 women (2.4%) used opiates while 10 women (0.3%) had diclofenac sodium given rectally. There was no significant difference in analgesia use whether women used the vaginal or sublingual route of misoprostol administration. Logistic regression showed a significant positive association with gestation at termination (odds ratio [OR] 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.12), number of misoprostol doses used (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.13-1.51) and induction to abortion interval (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.12) and a negative association with the age of women undergoing abortion (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97-0.99) and previous live birth (OR 0.43, 95% CI 0.33-0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

Analgesia requirement was significantly higher in women of younger age, higher gestation, longer induction to abortion interval and with increased number of misoprostol doses used while women with previous live birth were significantly less likely to use analgesia.

[Medical termination of pregnancy at 9-14 weeks gestation. Prospective study of 105 cases in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni (French Guyana)]

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of mifepristone 600mg with misoprostol 800 mg, for termination of pregnancy at 9-14 weeks gestation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study included 105 women at 9 to 14 weeks gestation given 800 mg of vaginal misoprostol, 2 or 3 days after a single dose of 600 mg of mifepristone for pregnancy termination. Outcomes measures included mean expulsion time, the interval between fotal and placental expulsion, adverse effects, vaginal bleeding, requirement for analgesia, and hospital stay, analyzed by parity and gestational age.

RESULTS

Pregnancy termination was successful in 92.4% of the patients without requirement for surgery. The mean time to expulsion was 6 hours. The fetus and placenta were expelled together in 79% of the cases. In 15% the conception products were retained in the cervical canal, and removed with a ring forceps. Additional misoprostol doses were necessary in 33% and analgesia (nalbuphine sublingually, mean dose was 10mg) in 56%. Significant bleeding was observed in 7.5%, leading to curettage in 2 patients. No statistically significant differences were found between the rate of success and term (9-12 versus 12-14) or parity.

CONCLUSION

Combining oral mifepristone and vaginal misoprostol is a successful alternative to surgical termination of pregnancy, even after 9 weeks' gestation. The use of nalbuphine for analgesia improves acceptability; sublingual administration helps avoid invasive procedures. Before 14 weeks gestation, the legal limit for termination of pregnancy in France, the choice between the surgical and medical alternatives should be left to the patient.

Midtrimester medical termination of pregnancy: a review of 1002 consecutive cases

We assessed the effectiveness, safety and factors that affected the outcome of midtrimester medical termination of pregnancy at 13-21 weeks gestation. Of the 1002 women, 3 took mifepristone and decided to continue with the pregnancy, with 999 women being compliant with the regimen. Of these, 2 women aborted prior to administration of misoprostol and 970 (97.1%) aborted successfully within five doses of misoprostol. Surgical intervention was necessary to complete the abortion process in 81 (8.1%) women. Women with no previous pregnancy (p = 0.02), no previous live birth (p = 0.0001) and gestations 17-21 weeks (p = 0.001) required more prostaglandin. Younger women (p = 0.0001) and women with a previous live birth (p = 0.001) were more likely to have a successful abortion. The induction abortion interval was significantly longer with increasing gestation [95% confidence interval (CI) difference in means: -2.52 to -0.89, p = 0.0001], increasing age (p = 0.0001) and no previous live birth (95% CI difference in means: -0.25 to -1.01, p = 0.0001). Surgical intervention was more likely to be required with increasing age (p = 0.008). Mifepristone in combination with misoprostol is a safe and effective regimen for midtrimester medical abortion with younger women and those with a previous live birth more likely to have a successful abortion.

Medical abortion at 64 to 91 days of gestation: a review of 483 consecutive cases

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to assess the uptake and outcome of medical abortion in the late first trimester of pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a review of the cases of 483 consecutive women in a university hospital who underwent medical abortion at 64 to 91 days of gestation and who used mifepristone that was followed 36 to 48 hours later by repeated doses of misoprostol.

RESULTS

A total of 891 abortions were carried out at 64 to 91 days of gestation from October 2000 to April 2002; of these, 483 cases (54.2%) were undertaken medically. Complete abortion occurred in 458 cases (94.8%). Efficacy decreased with advancing gestational age. Surgical evacuation was carried out in 1 woman (0.9%) at 9 to 10 weeks of gestation, in 8 women (5.3%) at 10 to 11 weeks of gestation, in 7 women (6.2%) at 11 to 12 weeks of gestation, and in 9 women (7.9%) at 12 to 13 weeks of gestation. Indications for surgery included ongoing pregnancy in 8 cases (1.7%), missed abortion in 3 cases (0.6%), incomplete abortion in 13 cases (2.7%), and emergency curettage for bleeding in 1 case (0.2%). The mean number of misoprostol doses used was 2.3; of those women who had a complete abortion, 152 women (32.6%) aborted within 4 hours of receiving the misoprostol. The mean induction to abortion interval was 5.5 hours; most cases (452; 93.6%) were treated as day cases.

CONCLUSION

Medical abortion between 64 and 91 days of gestation is effective and has a high uptake. Consideration should be given to extending the availability and choice of medical abortion to women in this gestational group.

Factors affecting the outcome of early medical abortion: a review of 4132 consecutive cases

OBJECTIVE

To assess the outcome of a regimen of a reduced dose of mifepristone followed by one or two doses of vaginal misoprostol as a non-surgical method for termination of pregnancy.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, Scotland.

POPULATION

Women seeking abortion under the 1967 Abortion Act.

METHODS

Factors influencing the outcome in a consecutive series of 4132 women undergoing early medical abortion in one Scottish teaching hospital since 1994.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Complete abortion rates following one or two doses of misoprostol. The effect of age, gestation, previous pregnancy and previous termination on complete abortion rates following the medical regimen.

RESULTS

Of the 4132 women, 95 (2.3%) aborted within 48 hours of mifepristone and a further 3942 (95.4%) achieved complete abortion following administration of one or two doses of misoprostol. Thus, the overall complete abortion rate was 97.7% (4037/4131). A total of 94 (2.3%) women required surgical intervention of whom 13 (0.3%) had a continuing pregnancy. Following change of the regimen to include the possibility of two doses of misoprostol the continuing pregnancy rates were significantly reduced (OR = 5.88) and gestation ceased to have an effect on overall efficacy. Women who had a previous abortion were more likely to have a failed medical abortion (OR = 2.09), while women with no previous termination, but a previous live birth were more likely to have a failed abortion (OR = 2.03).

CONCLUSION

Mifepristone in combination with one to two doses of vaginal misoprostol is an effective regimen for early medical abortion. The option of administering two doses of misoprostol significantly reduced the ongoing pregnancy rates and abolished the effect of gestation on overall efficacy. Previous termination was the strongest predictor of failed medical abortion.

Clinicians' perception of sonogram indication for mifepristone abortion up to 63 days

One barrier in the US to wider acceptance of mifepristone for abortion is the additional cost of the routine use of two sonograms, that is, for pregnancy dating and confirmation of a complete abortion. The purpose of this study is to document how the accuracy of medical abortion clinicians experienced with pelvic exams and dating pregnancies in assessing gestational age at the first visit compared with sonograms, and to identify the factors influencing whether they perceive that sonograms are desired or indicated at the first and follow-up visits. This was a prospective study of 1016 women wanting to participate in a medical abortion trial. After informed consent, clinicians (1) dated the pregnancy before routine sonography and (2) determined whether a sonogram was indicated. Women with sonographic pregnancies of less than 63 days were eligible for mifepristone followed by misoprostol 48 h later. Women returned on Day 4 to Day 8, and clinicians performed a clinical assessment of whether the abortion was complete and determined whether a sonogram was indicated. Fifteen sites participated. Advanced-level providers performed 56% of the assessments. When clinicians assessed a pregnancy under 43 days gestation, they perceived that a sonogram was "not indicated" in 60% of these women. This percentage increased to 66% at 43-49 days gestation, and declined to 46% of women assessed at more than 49 days. Clinicians correctly assessed gestational age as no more than 63 days in 87% of women. In only 1% (14/1013) of their assessments did clinicians underestimate gestational age. In 7/24 (29%) women with a persistent gestational sac, clinicians did not indicate the need for sonography when it was likely indicated. We conclude that the clinicians in our study felt confident in not using sonography in most cases. If clinicians monitor hCG levels to identify any ectopic or continuing pregnancies, medical abortion can be safely performed without sonography.

Mifepristone: contraceptive and non-contraceptive uses

Mifepristone is an orally active progesterone antagonist. It can be used for both contraceptive and non-contraceptive clinical indications. It is a very effective drug for emergency contraception with a low incidence of side effects. There is a potential for mifepristone to be used as a once-a-month pill. There is a need, however, for a simple, inexpensive and accurate method to identify the luteinizing hormone surge before this method can be used in clinical practice. The daily administration of mifepristone offers promise as an effective method of contraception but more studies need to be done. The combination of mifepristone with a prostaglandin analogue is a well-established method for termination of pregnancy of up to 9 weeks. Recent data suggest that this combination may also be used up to 9-13 weeks of pregnancy. Although mifepristone is effective in dilating the cervix before vacuum aspiration, misoprostol is probably the drug of choice in most situations. In the second trimester, mifepristone is effective in shortening the abortion process induced by prostaglandin analogues. The combination of mifepristone and prostaglandin also offers a medical method for management of miscarriages. Mifepristone has been used for a number of other indications, but further studies are needed before such treatment can be recommended.

Unsafe abortion: an avoidable tragedy

An estimated 60 000-70 000 women die annually from complications of unsafe abortion and hundreds of thousands more suffer long-term consequences which include chronic pelvic pain and infertility. The reasons for the continuing high incidence of unwanted pregnancy leading to unsafe abortion include lack of access to, or misuse of and misinformation about, effective contraceptive methods, coerced sex which prohibits women from protecting themselves, and contraceptive failure. Unsafe abortion is closely associated with restrictive legal environments and administrative and policy barriers hampering access to existing services. Vacuum aspiration and medical methods combining mifepristone and a prostaglandin for early abortion are simple and safe. For second trimester abortion, the main choices are repeat doses of prostaglandin with or without prior mifepristone, and dilatation and evacuation by experienced providers. Strategies for preventing unsafe abortion include: upgrading providers' skills; further development of medical methods for pregnancy termination and their introduction into national programmes; improving the quality of contraceptive and abortion services; and improving partner communication.

Surgical abortion

This review of surgically-induced abortion focuses on conventional first trimester suction evacuation. Manual vacuum aspiration at early gestations and dilatation and evacuation at more advanced gestation are also considered. The place of surgical abortion in contemporary abortion practice is reviewed alongside developments in medical abortion. There is still debate about the best method for later abortions. Patient choice and pre-procedure assessment are considered fundamental to practice. The importance of antibiotic prophylaxis or infection screening is highlighted. The value of ultrasound emerges. The need for cervical priming is considered along with choice of suitable pharmacological agents. Current practice and the procedure of surgical abortion is outlined. Complications and strategies to minimize risk are detailed. The overview concludes with consideration of the impact on future reproductive health.

Medical abortion in the first trimester

Pregnancy can be terminated safely by inducing abortion medically at any stage of gestation. Antagonists such as mifepristone block the action of progesterone and hence result in uterine contractions and increase the sensitivity of the uterus to prostaglandins. In the last 15 years the combination of a single dose of mifepristone (600 mg) followed 48 hours later with a suitable prostaglandin (1 mg gemeprost vaginal pessary or 400 microg oral misoprostol) has been licensed in most countries in Europe and the USA for induction of abortion in the early weeks of pregnancy. The safety and efficacy of these methods is comparable to vacuum aspiration at the same gestation. The complete abortion rate is related to the type and dose of prostaglandin, the route of administration as well as the gestation and parity. Published data suggest that the dose of mifepristone can be reduced from 600 mg to 200 mg without loss of efficacy. Although misoprostol tablets are formulated for oral use, extensive clinical experience has demonstrated vaginal administration is more effective and is associated with fewer side-effects. Successful abortion using medical methods requires a well organized service which includes referral without delay and a robust system of follow up to identify failures. The failure rate as reflected by the number of women who require surgical intervention falls with increasing experience. In those countries where medical abortion has been freely available for about 10 years, such as France, Scotland and Sweden, about 60-70% of eligible women elect for this method.

Pilot study on the use of repeated doses of sublingual misoprostol in termination of pregnancy up to 12 weeks gestation: efficacy and acceptability

BACKGROUND

A sublingual misoprostol-alone regimen was used in 50 women requesting medical abortion at up to 12 weeks gestation. The efficacy and acceptability of this regimen were studied.

METHODS

The women were given 600 microg misoprostol sublingually every 3 h for a maximum of 5 doses.

RESULTS

The overall complete abortion rate was 86% (95% confidence interval: 74-93). The mean number of doses of misoprostol required was 4.1 +/- 1.1. There was no significant change in haemoglobin concentration and the median duration of vaginal bleeding was 15 days (range: 7-56). Diarrhoea, fever and chills were the most common side-effects. The acceptability of this regimen of misoprostol was good: 97.7% of the women who had a complete abortion would choose this method again and 88.4% would recommend it to others. They preferred sublingual misoprostol as it is convenient to take, avoids the painful vaginal administration and gives more privacy during the abortion process.

CONCLUSION

This regimen of sublingual misoprostol is an effective and acceptable method of medical abortion. Randomized controlled trials are required to compare the efficacy of various misoprostol-alone regimens of medical abortion. Pharmacokinetic studies and clinical trials are needed to find out the most appropriate dose, dosing interval and route of administration of misoprostol.

Could American women use mifepristone-misoprostol pills safely with less medical supervision?

Medical methods of early abortion differ from surgical methods in that women themselves can potentially administer the regimens. As currently researched and offered, however, the main regimen used for medical abortion, mifepristone-misoprostol, is highly medicalized, involving several clinic visits and extensive physician involvement. We re-examined the role of clinical supervision in each step of the abortion process, using data collected during a large clinical trial of mifepristone-misoprostol abortions in the US, fielded during 1994-1995. The trial was carried out in 17 geographically diverse centers, including private, public, and nongovernmental organization clinics, and enrolled 2121 women, aged 18-45 years, seeking early abortion (< or =63 days since last menstrual period). Women received 600 mg oral mifepristone, followed 48 h later by 400 microg oral misoprostol. Evidence suggests that most women can handle most steps of the medical abortion process themselves, effectively and safely. The utility of clinic visits to ingest mifepristone and misoprostol is questionable. For many women, even the follow-up visit could perhaps be replaced by telephone follow-up, combined with home pregnancy tests. Alternatives to the present protocol might allow greater control, comfort, and convenience at lower cost. Where clinician involvement might be useful, mid-level health care providers typically possess the skills necessary to offer the method safely, implying that physicians might be necessary only as complications arise. Future research useful for determining the optimal amount of medical involvement to provide mifepristone-misoprostol safely and effectively should include self-screening tests, label comprehension tests, calendars to aid in calculating gestational age, and the development of special pregnancy tests with telephone follow-up.

Accuracy of assessment of pregnancy duration by women seeking early abortions

BACKGROUND

Advances in medical abortion might allow women seeking early abortions to terminate their pregnancies safely and effectively without medical supervision. We investigated whether such women can calculate pregnancy duration accurately, a key step in unsupervised use.

METHODS

422 women seeking first-trimester abortions in two clinics (Pune, India, and Atlanta, USA) used a simple worksheet and calendar to calculate the duration of gestation from the date of last menstrual period (LMP) and/or of unprotected intercourse. Clinicians then used standard clinic practices to estimate pregnancy duration. We compared the two sets of estimates, focusing on women who fell into the "caution zone" (ie, had pregnancy durations >8 weeks according to providers, but < or =8 weeks by their own estimates).

FINDINGS

The participants were generally representative of the women seeking abortion at the two clinics. 217 (97.7%) of 222 women in Atlanta and 173 (86.5%) of 200 in Pune could produce an estimate of pregnancy duration. Most (85.4% in Atlanta; 93.6% in Pune) of these estimates were within 2 weeks of those made by providers. For estimates based on LMP, only 10.0% (exact 95% CI 6.2-15.0) of women in Atlanta and 9.8% (5.8-15.3) in Pune fell into the caution zone. For estimates based on a date of intercourse, just 7.7% (4.0-13.1) of women in Atlanta and 3.4% (0-17.8) in Pune fell into the caution zone, although fewer women could use this method.

INTERPRETATION

The vast majority of women seeking first-trimester abortion in this study could accurately calculate pregnancy duration within a margin of error clinically inconsequential for safe use of unsupervised medical abortion.

Medical termination of pregnancy at 63 to 83 days gestation

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of a medical regimen for the termination of pregnancy within the gestational age range of 63 to 83 days.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Gynaecology department within a district general hospital.

POPULATION

Women attending the pregnancy advisory clinic between June 1996 and December 1997.

METHODS

The medical regimen used was mifepristone 200 mg orally followed after 36 to 48 h by misoprostol 800 microg administered vaginally.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The success rate of the medical termination of pregnancy regimen, where success was defined as achieving complete abortion without the need for secondary intervention by either surgical or repeat medical means.

RESULTS

Primary medical termination of pregnancy was chosen by 253 (80.8%) of the 313 women and was successful in 239 (94.5%). Repeat medical treatment achieved completion of the abortion in a further three women (1.2%) and surgical evacuation of the uterus was required in 10 (4.0%). One woman declined further intervention after failed medical treatment but subsequently miscarried.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol is effective for the termination of pregnancy for gestations of 63 to 83 days.

Vaginal misoprostol for abortion at 10-13 weeks' gestation

OBJECTIVE

The effectiveness and safety of misoprostol have been reported for abortion up to 22 weeks' gestation. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of self-administration of misoprostol every 12 h, without the need of postexpulsion systematic curettage, in late first-trimester abortions (10-13 weeks' gestation).

METHODS

A group of 180 women with gestations from 64 to 91 days, self-administered 800 micrograms of vaginal misoprostol every 12 h for a maximum of three doses without performing postexpulsion systematic preventive curettage. Outcome measures included successful abortion (complete and incomplete abortion without requiring a surgical procedure), side-effects, mean expulsion time and vaginal bleeding.

RESULTS

Successful abortion occurred in 153/180 (85%) subjects (95% confidence interval (CI) 79-90). The decrease of hemoglobin was statistically significant (p = 0.0001) but clinically unimportant: 12.1 mg/dl (SD 1.1) before treatment and 11.7 mg/dl (SD 1.1) afterwards. The mean expulsion time for patients who aborted after the first dose was 8.3 +/- 3.6 h (median 8 h, range 2-12 h). Vaginal bleeding lasted 6 +/- 3 days, spotting 7 +/- 3 days and total bleeding 13 +/- 4 days. The median dose of misoprostol administered was 1780 micrograms (range 1400-3000 micrograms).

CONCLUSIONS

The high degree of acceptability, its efficacy and the fact that postabortion systematic curettage was not needed make misoprostol a suitable alternative to the currently available methods for termination of pregnancy at 10-13 weeks' gestation.