Combination of mifepristone and misoprostol vs misoprostol monotherapy for treatment of second-trimester pregnancy loss

Abstract

Abstract Objective Our main goal was to evaluate whether a treatment protocol based on the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol for second-trimester foetal loss was more effective than misoprostol monotherapy. Methods This was an observational, retrospective, cross-sectional two-centre study of women receiving treatment for second-trimester pregnancy loss. Patients were recruited in two centres that used different treatment protocols: combined mifepristone–misoprostol treatment or misoprostol monotherapy. Results A total of 99 patients were included in the study: 41 in the mifepristone–misoprostol combined treatment group and 58 in the misoprostol monotherapy group. The combined treatment group had shorter times to expulsion and shorter hospitalisations, as well as higher rates of hospital discharge within 24 h and complete abortion within the first 6 h and 12 h. There were no differences regarding secondary effects and complication rates. Conclusion A combination of mifepristone and misoprostol appears to be a feasible option for the treatment of second-trimester pregnancy loss.