Mifepristone in Abortion Care

 

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ABSTRACT

With the addition of a prostaglandin analog, mifepristone allows for successful outpatient termination of pregnancy up to 63 days gestation in 92-99% of women. In the inpatient setting, studies have shown that mifepristone in combination with a prostaglandin analog is also effective as an abortifacient in the late first trimester. In the second trimester, the addition of mifepristone to a prostaglandin regimen has been shown to expedite induction time. At all stages of pregnancy, the use of mifepristone facilitates and ameliorates prostaglandins' expulsive effects on the uterine contents. The rich literature regarding mifepristone in the setting of abortion care has made an important contribution to how physicians treat undesired and problem pregnancies. As with any area of medicine, treatment options provide important flexibility for patients and clinicians alike.

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Courtney SchreiberM.D. 

Contraception Research and Family Planning, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Magee Womens Hospital, 300 Halket Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Email: cschreiber@mail.magee.edu