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Semin Reprod Med 2005; 23(1): 82-91
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-864036
Copyright © 2005 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Mifepristone in Abortion Care

Courtney Schreiber1 , 3 , Mitchell Creinin2 , 3
  • 1Contraception Research and Family Planning, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • 2Gynecologic Specialties, and Family Planning, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • 3Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Magee Womens Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 February 2005 (online)

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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.

KEYWORDS

Mifepristone - misoprostol - medical abortion

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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