Predictors of failed attempted abortion with the antiprogestin mifepristone (RU 486)

The experience of 271 patients who received mifepristone (RU 486) in experimental protocols from July 1984 to January 1989 was analyzed by logistic regression methods. The regimen used was the strongest predictor of failure, followed by Quetelet's index and initial beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level. The relative risk of failure was 2.3 times with 7-day regimens and 6.3 times with the other regimens that obtained with regimens of 600 mg given once or twice. The relative risk of failure increased with increasing Quetelet's index; women in the top quartile were 2.9 times more likely to fail to abort than were women in the bottom quartile. The risk of failure increased with increasing initial beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level; those with an initial level greater than 19,800 mIU/ml were 2.8 times more likely to fail to abort than were women with an initial value less than or equal to 6350 mIU/ml. Body mass appears to influence the likelihood of abortion with mifepristone.