Mifepristone vaginally in an early medical abortion regimen: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective observational pilot study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of mifepristone and misoprostol, both administered vaginally. The ultimate goal is to investigate alternative means of reducing the time interval between the two treatments involved. The efficacy of the early medical abortion regimen utilizing mifepristone and misoprostol is beyond doubt. The regimen usually involves administering misoprostol 36 h following oral administration of mifepristone. The interval between the two treatment components might affect a woman's choice of the medical method.

METHODS

Eighteen women undergoing abortion for nonmedical reasons were recruited.

RESULTS

Seven women required further intervention to achieve complete abortion. Median induction-to-abortion interval was 7.66 h in the 11 women with complete abortion.

CONCLUSION

The complete abortion rate of 61% in this study was lower than that with the standard medical regimen.