Abstract
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.
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