Effects of medical abortion using methotrexate and misoprostol in early pregnancy

Kim, Jae Wung; Kim, Myung Joo; Byun, Yong Jun; Chung, Kee Muk

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to accumulate the knowledge about medical abortion by assessment of the efficacy of medical abortion using methotrexate and misoprostol versus misoprostol in early pregnancy.
METHODS
The 35 women at less than 56 days' gestation underwent medical abortion were reviewed prospectively. Seventeen women (group 1) underwent medical abortion using methotrexate with misoprostol and eighteen women (group 2) underwent using misoprostol alone. We measured percent change of serum beta-hCG, successful abortion, duration of vaginal bleeding, side effects.
RESULTS
Overall success rate was 91.4%: success rate in group 1 was 100%, 84.2% in group 2. Vaginal bleeding lasted for a mean of 12 days (group 1), and 10 days (group 2). Percent change of serum beta-hCG level from day 1 to day 4 was 93.1 (group1), and -68.0 (group 2), that from day 1 to day 7 was -90.6 (group 1), and -97.6 (group 2). Side effects were minimal.
CONCLUSION
No significant difference between group 1 (methotrexate and misoprostol) and group 2 (misoprostol alone) was found. Medical abortion is considered to be the therapy that is safe, and effective procedure in early pregnancy.