Bleeding after medication-induced termination of pregnancy with two dosing schedules of mifepristone and misoprostol

Abstract 

Objective

This study examines bleeding pattern following medication-induced termination of pregnancy, comparing two different dosing schedules of mifepristone and misoprostol.

Study Design

Diary information was analyzed from a randomized, multicenter trial in which women used vaginal misoprostol 800 μg either 6–8 or 24 h following 200 mg of oral mifepristone.

Participants and Methods

One thousand eighty women with pregnancies up to 63 days' gestation were recruited for the study; 540 were randomized to the 6- to 8-h dosing schedule, and 540 were randomized to the 24-h dosing schedule. Subjects recorded daily bleeding in a diary over 5 weeks.

Results

Total duration of bleeding ranged from 1 to 54 days, with a median of 7 days. Duration of spotting ranged from 1 to 80 days, with a median of 5 and 6 days (NS) in each of the two groups. Neither duration of bleeding nor duration of spotting were related to interval between mifepristone and misoprostol. Bleeding and spotting durations were not correlated with maternal age or smoking. Increased gestational age was correlated with longer bleeding and spotting times. Nulliparity was associated with longer bleeding time.

Conclusion

Varying the interval between mifepristone and misoprostol in medication abortion does not affect duration or quantity of bleeding.

Keywords: Abortion, Induced, Mifepristone, Misoprostol, Bleeding