Pre-induction with mifepristone for second trimester termination of pregnancy

Objective: To study the efficacy and safety of combining mifepristone before misoprostol use in second trimester to considerably reduce the induction-abortion interval with the lowest possible dose and adverse reaction. Material and methods: A prospective study was conducted which included 60 patients visiting the antenatal OPD for elective abortions between 13 and 20 weeks of gestation as per the MTP act. They were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each - the study group received mifepristone 200 mg orally before misoprostol, whereas the control group was induced with misoprostol alone. The results were analyzed. Observation: Statistical analysis of the study was done using χ2 test. The induction-abortion interval was significantly shorter in the study group, thereby decreasing the side-effects of the drug as well as duration of hospital stay. Conclusion: This study, like many others, offers a reliable, safe, and cost-effective option by combining mifepristone before misoprostol to decrease the induction-abortion interval. © Federation of Obstetric & Gynecological Societies of India 2013.