Objective: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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.
Conclusion: Medical abortion is an effective and acceptable method for termination of pregnancy in late first trimester.