AN ANTIPROGESTIN STEROID AND PGE₂ FOR AN EARLY PREGNANCY TERMINATION

Abstract

A non‐surgical, preferably self‐administered, procedure would be an attractive alternative to vacuum for the termination of early pregnancy. 20 patients with 49 days of amenorrhea and confirmation of pregnancy by ultrasound, urine testing and human chorionic gonadotrophin (β‐hCG) analysis, were administered RU 486, 25 mg twice daily for 4 days, (Group I). A further 20 patients received the same dose of RU 486 for 3 days (Group II). All patients received an intramuscular injection of the prostaglandin derivative sulprostone, 0.25 mg, on the last day of RU 486 treatment. Outcome of therapy was assessed on the second follow up visit (day 15) on the basis of clinical course, ultrasound findings and hCG levels. In Group I, all patients had a complete abortion with a success rate of 100%. In Group II, a success rate of 95% was achieved. Side effects were minimal and did not require any medication. A dramatic fall was observed in the plasma β‐hCG and progesterone levels on days 8 and 14, correlating with the clinical course of abortion. Plasma cortisol levels remained within the normal range. It is concluded that sequential therapy with RU 486 and prostaglandin is a highly safe, simple and effective non‐surgical method for termination of early pregnancy.