Norway: Medical abortion at 63 to 90 days of gestation

The study set out to evaluate medical abortion as a treatment alternative for late first-trimester abortions and to evaluate the decrease in beta-hCG after abortion at 63-90 days of gestation. From Obstetrics and Gynecology. 

All women received mifepristone 200 mg orally, followed by 800 micrograms misoprostol vaginally 48 hours later. Misoprostol was repeated every 3 hours orally, to a maximum of five doses if needed. A clinical examination including ultrasonography was performed 8-14 days after treatment. beta-hCG level was determined before treatment and at follow-up.

A total of 254 pregnant women with gestational age 63 to 90 days were included. The successful termination rate was 91.7%. Surgical evacuation was carried out in 21 (8.3%) women. Most women (91.0%) found the method of treatment highly acceptable. The beta-hCG levels of women with successful termination had decreased more than 97.5% at follow-up.

The authors concluded that medical abortion is an effective and acceptable method for termination of pregnancy in late first trimester.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.

Medical abortion at 63 to 90 days of gestation. Løkeland M, Iversen OE, Dahle GS, Nappen MH, Ertzeid L, Bjørge L. Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2010 May;115(5):962-8.