Effectiveness of early medical abortion using low-dose mifepristone and buccal misoprostol in women with no defined intrauterine gestational sac

Contraception. 2013 Jun;87(6):855-8. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2012.10.013. Epub 2012 Nov 15.

Abstract

Background: The study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of early medical abortion (EMA) in women with early pregnancy and no defined intrauterine gestational sac (IUGS) on ultrasound.

Study design: Retrospective, multicenter, observational study of oral mifepristone 200 mg and buccal misoprostol 800 mcg administered 24-48 h later for EMA (gestations ≤ 63 days). Odds ratios (ORs) [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] of EMA failure and continuing pregnancy for women with no defined IUGS vs. those with confirmed IUGS were calculated.

Results: Women with no defined IUGS were more likely to experience EMA failure [9.0% (6/67) vs. 3.5% (465/13,345); OR (95% CI)=2.72 (1.17-6.33), p=.041] and continuing pregnancy [7.5% (5/67) vs. 0.6% (83/13,345); OR (95% CI)=12.72 (4.98-32.46), p<.001].

Conclusion: EMA failure is more likely in women with early pregnancy and no defined IUGS than those with gestations ≤ 63 days and confirmed IUGS.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / administration & dosage
  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / adverse effects*
  • Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal / administration & dosage
  • Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal / adverse effects*
  • Abortion, Therapeutic / adverse effects*
  • Administration, Buccal
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Mifepristone / administration & dosage
  • Mifepristone / adverse effects*
  • Misoprostol / administration & dosage
  • Misoprostol / adverse effects*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, First
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / diagnostic imaging
  • Pregnancy, Ectopic / surgery*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Failure
  • Ultrasonography, Prenatal
  • Uterus / diagnostic imaging*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal
  • Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal
  • Misoprostol
  • Mifepristone