Randomized trial of oral versus sublingual misoprostol 24 h after mifepristone for medical abortion

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the efficacy, side effects, and acceptability of medical abortion using oral mifepristone (200 mg) followed 24 h later by oral or sublingual misoprostol (400 μg).

Materials and methods: A total of 93 women with pregnancies up to 56 days of gestational age were assigned to two groups according to the different misoprostol regimen (group I 400 μg orally and group II 400 μg sublingually). The principle outcome measure was complete abortion defined as a complete expulsion of intrauterine contents without a need for surgical intervention 7 days after the procedure.

Results: Successful abortion occurred in 87.5% of patients in group 1 and 95.5% patients in group 2 (p = 0.166, 95% CI -0.194, 0.033). The patient acceptability and satisfaction rates were similar in both the groups.

Conclusion: It is concluded that 400 μg of sublingual misoprostol is as effective as oral misoprostol 24 h after mifepristone for medical abortion of ≤ 56 days.