Self reported outcomes and adverse events after medical abortion through online telemedicine: population based study in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Objectives To assess self reported outcomes and adverse events after self sourced medical abortion through online telemedicine.Design Population based study.Setting Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, where abortion is unavailable through the formal healthcare system except in a few restricted circumstances.Population 1000 women who underwent self sourced medical abortion through Women on Web (WoW), an online telemedicine service, between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012.Main outcome measures Successful medical abortion: the proportion of women who reported ending their pregnancy without surgical intervention. Rates of adverse events: the proportion who reported treatment for adverse events, including receipt of antibiotics and blood transfusion, and deaths reported by family members, friends, or the authorities. Care seeking for symptoms of potential complications: the frequency with which women reported experiencing symptoms of a potentially serious complication and the proportion who reported seeking medical attention as advised.Results In 2010-12, abortion medications (mifepristone and misoprostol) were sent to 1636 women and follow-up information was obtained for 1158 (71%). Among these, 1023 women confirmed use of the medications, and follow-up information was available for 1000. At the time women requested help from WoW, 781 (78%) were <7 weeks pregnant and 219 (22%) were 7-9 weeks pregnant. Overall, 94.7% (95% confidence interval 93.1% to 96.0%) reported successfully ending their pregnancy without surgical intervention. Seven women (0.7%, 0.3% to 1.5%) reported receiving a blood transfusion, and 26 (2.6%, 1.7% to 3.8%) reported receiving antibiotics (route of administration (IV or oral) could not be determined). No deaths resulting from the intervention were reported by family, friends, the authorities, or the media. Ninety three women (9.3%, 7.6% to 11.3%) reported experiencing any symptom for which they were advised to seek medical advice, and, of these, 87 (95%, 87.8% to 98.2%) sought attention. None of the five women who did not seek medical attention reported experiencing an adverse outcome.Conclusions Self sourced medical abortion using online telemedicine can be highly effective, and outcomes compare favourably with in clinic protocols. Reported rates of adverse events are low. Women are able to self identify the symptoms of potentially serious complications, and most report seeking medical attention when advised. Results have important implications for women worldwide living in areas where access to abortion is restricted.

Comparison of 400 mcg buccal and 400 mcg sublingual misoprostol after mifepristone medical abortion through 63 days' LMP: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Buccal misoprostol 800 mcg and sublingual misoprostol 400 mcg demonstrate high efficacy and few adverse effects when used with 200 mg mifepristone for medical abortion through 63 days since the last menstrual period (LMP). Little is known about a 400-mcg buccal dose. This study compares two in-the-mouth routes of misoprostol using the same dose. STUDY DESIGN: Eligible and consenting women (n=550) were randomized to 400 mcg of misoprostol buccally or sublingually 24 h after ingestion of 200 mg of mifepristone. Abortion status was assessed 2 weeks later. RESULTS: Complete abortion occurred in 97.1% of the buccal group and 97.4% of the sublingual group (p=.97, RR: 1.00, 95% CI=0.97-1.03). Adverse effects were similar in both groups. Over 90% of women in both arms expressed high satisfaction with the method. CONCLUSIONS: Both 400 mcg buccal misoprostol and 400 mcg sublingual misoprostol after mifepristone appear to be good options for medical abortion through 63 days' LMP.

Two-pill regimens of misoprostol after mifepristone medical abortion through 63 days' gestational age: a randomized controlled trial of sublingual and oral misoprostol.

BACKGROUND: A 400 mcg dose of sublingual misoprostol has high efficacy and few side effects when used with 200 mg mifepristone for medical abortion through 63 days' gestation. STUDY DESIGN: Eligible and consenting women (n=480) were randomized to 400 mcg of misoprostol sublingually or orally, 24 h after 200 mg of mifepristone. Abortion status was assessed two weeks later. RESULTS: Complete abortion occurred in 98.7% of the sublingual group and 94.0% of the oral group (p value=.006, RR: 1.05, 95% CI=1.01--1.09). Over 90% of women in both arms expressed high satisfaction with the method. Side effects were similar in both groups, with only fever or chills reported by significantly more women in the sublingual arm. CONCLUSIONS: The sublingual route appears superior to the regimen of 400 mcg misoprostol used orally and may be a good option for mifepristone medical abortion.