An historical overview of second trimester abortion methods.

The methods used for abortion in the second trimester have changed considerably in recent years. The surgical procedure dilatation and evacuation (D&E) has replaced hysterotomy. Instead of injecting different compounds, such as hypertonic saline, prostaglandin analogues are administered by non-invasive routes.

Studies on uterine contractility following mifepristone and various routes of misoprostol.

During pregnancy, uterine contractility is suppressed by progesterone. The progesterone receptor inhibitor, mifepristone, increases uterine contractility and sensitizes the myometrium to prostaglandin. The maximum effect is achieved when prostaglandins are administered 36 to 48 h after mifepristone.

From research to reality: the challenges of introducing medical abortion into service delivery in Vietnam.

Following the inclusion of mifepristone + misoprostol for early pregnancy termination into the Vietnam National Reproductive Health Guidelines in 2002, a team from the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization and Ipas assessed how best to move from clinical research to widespread public sector availability. After field visits to hospitals and discussions with stakeholders, the team endorsed the phased introduction of medical abortion alongside vacuum aspiration services to expand choice. They stressed the importance of patient-oriented information on what to expect as the abortion process takes place and the need for follow-up, also crucial in training of providers.

Effect of emergency contraception with levonorgestrel or mifepristone on ovarian function.

The mechanism of action of levonorgestrel (LNG) and mifepristone (MIF) in emergency contraception (EC), is still not fully known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of preovulatory treatment with LNG and MIF on luteal function in more detail. Two days prior to ovulation (day -2; assessed by ultrasound), we administered LNG (0.

The possibility of using mifepristone for menstrual induction.

Menstrual induction is a variant of suction aspiration that was originally defined to be performed in women with a menstrual delay of up to 2-3 weeks without knowing if the women is pregnant or not. Prerequisites for a pharmacological method for menstrual induction are a high efficacy to induce a bleeding in nonpregnant women and an expulsion of the pregnancy in pregnant women. Treatment with prostaglandins, specifically intramuscular sulprostone, can be as effective as suction aspiration for menstrual induction.

Effects of mifepristone on endometrial receptivity.

At the development of receptivity the endometrium undergoes specific changes. Several factors have been suggested as markers of endometrial receptivity. A common feature for most of these factors is that they are directly, or indirectly, regulated by progesterone.

Pharmacokinetics of prostaglandins.

Naturally occurring prostaglandins (PGs) are rapidly metabolized in the human circulation. For clinical use a number of PG analogues have therefore been developed which are resistant to rapid inactivation. Among these are carboprost, gemeprost and misoprostol.

Verifying the effectiveness of medical abortion; ultrasound versus hCG testing.

Objectives: The combination of mifepristone and misoprostol is an established method for termination of pregnancy. However, there is no general agreement about how best to evaluate the treatment outcome.

Study Design: In 217 women with an unwanted pregnancy below 49 days of amenorrhoea, ultrasound examination and serum hCG test were performed before treatment and at follow-up.

Options for early therapeutic abortion: a comparative review.

Vacuum aspiration, either manual or electric, has for many years been the most commonly used method for termination of an early pregnancy. More recently, new medical methods have been developed which for many women are attractive alternatives to the surgical procedure. The compounds mainly used are prostaglandin analogues, methotrexate, and mifepristone in combination with a suitable prostaglandin analogue.