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[The first 100 early medical abortions]
O Lidegaard1, J F Larsen, J Blaabjerg
1Gynaekologisk-obstetrisk afdeling G114, Amtssygehuset i Herlev. lidegaard@dadlnet.dk
Ugeskrift for Laeger
|September 15, 1999
Summary
Early medical abortion using mifepristone (RU486) and gemeprost is effective and well-tolerated for women up to eight weeks gestation. Most patients experienced mild side effects and would choose this method again, despite some pain concerns.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Medicine
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Medical abortion was legalized in Denmark in 1998.
- Herlev University Hospital initiated early medical abortion services.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of early medical abortion.
- To assess patient experience with the mifepristone-gemeprost regimen.
Summary:
- The study involved 100 patients receiving 600 mg mifepristone (RU486) followed by 1 mg gemeprost.
- Ultrasound and quantitative P-hCG confirmed pregnancy and monitored abortion progress.
- The regimen achieved 96% efficacy, with 4% requiring evacuation for bleeding, vomiting, or incomplete abortion.
- Side effects included mild nausea in 50% of patients; 90% had adequate pain relief without opioids.
Impact:
- Early medical abortion is a viable option for women with gestational age of eight weeks or less.
- Patient satisfaction was high, with 80% willing to repeat the procedure.
- Pain was the primary reason for not preferring medical abortion in 20% of cases.