Preventing first births among adolescents in Mexico City's public abortion programme.

INTRODUCTION: We examined parity and age among women seeking an abortion in Mexico City's public first-trimester abortion programme, Interrupcion Legal de Embarazo (ILE). We hypothesised that younger women, especially students, used abortion to prevent first births while older women used abortion to limit births. METHODS: We used clinical data from a sample of 47 462 women who had an abortion between 2007 and 2016 and classified them as nulliparous or parous according to previous births prior to the abortion. We used logistic regression to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with using abortion to prevent a first birth (nulliparous) versus limiting births (parous) and calculated absolute multivariable predicted probabilities. RESULTS: Overall, 41% of abortions were in nulliparous women seeking to prevent a first birth, and 59% were in women who already had one or more children. The adjusted probability of using abortion to prevent a first birth was 80.4% (95% CI 78.3 to 82.4) for women aged 12-17 years and 54.3% (95% CI 51.6 to 57.0) for women aged 18-24 years. Adolescents (aged 12-17 years) who were employed or students had nearly 90% adjusted probability of using abortion to prevent a first birth (employed 87.8%, 95% CI 82.9 to 92.8; students 88.5%, 95% CI 82.9 to 94.1). At all ages, employed women and students had higher probabilities of using abortion to prevent a first birth compared with unemployed women and women who work in the home. CONCLUSION: Legal first-trimester abortion services in Mexico can help prevent first births in adolescents, especially students.

Contraceptive Receipt Among First-Trimester Abortion Clients and Postpartum Women in Urban Mexico.

CONTEXT: In Mexico, first-trimester abortion is legal in Mexico City and is available in the public and private sectors. Understanding subsequent contraceptive uptake and method mix among first-trimester abortion clients relative to that of women who deliver a live birth at a health facility could help identify where improvements in care following an obstetric event can be made across the health system. METHODS: This article uses a retrospective cohort study to compare uptake of contraception prior to discharge between abortion clients in Mexico City's public abortion program and postpartum women from urban settings. The two data sources were clinical records of 45,233 abortion clients in Mexico City and information from a population-based survey of 1,289 urban women on their immediate postpartum contraceptive adoption. The primary outcome investigated was receipt of any reversible modern contraceptive method; secondary outcomes were level of method effectiveness and method type. Logistic regression and calculated multivariable probabilities were used to control for the effects of sociodemographic factors across the two data sources. RESULTS: The adjusted probability of uptake of any reversible modern method of contraception was higher among abortion clients than among postpartum women (67% vs. 48%). However, among all women who had received a contraceptive method, abortion clients had a lower adjusted probability of having received a long-acting reversible contraceptive than did postpartum women (49% vs. 82%) and a higher probability of having received a moderately effective method (38% vs. 13%). The adjusted probability of implant uptake was higher among abortion clients than among postpartum women (9% vs. 3%), while the adjusted probability of IUD uptake was lower (38% vs. 78%). CONCLUSIONS: Women receiving abortions in Mexico City's public abortion program were more likely than urban postpartum women to receive a reversible modern contraceptive method before leaving the facility. Women should be offered the full range of contraceptive methods after any obstetric event, to help them prevent unintended pregnancy and avoid short interpregnancy intervals.

RESUMEN Contexto: En México, el aborto de primer trimestre es legal en la Ciudad de México y está disponible en los sectores público y privado. Comprender la forma en que las clientas de aborto de primer trimestre adoptan el uso de anticonceptivos y la combinación de métodos subsiguientes en comparación a como lo hacen las mujeres que dan a luz a un nacido vivo en una institución de salud, podría ayudar a identificar dónde, en el sistema de salud, se pueden realizar mejoras en la atención después de un evento obstétrico. Métodos: Este artículo utiliza un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo para comparar la adopción de anticonceptivos por parte de clientas de servicios de aborto que participan en el Programa de Interrupción Legal del Embarazo en el sector público de la Ciudad de México y las mujeres posparto de entornos urbanos, previo a ser dadas de alta de la institución de salud. Las dos fuentes de datos fueron los registros clínicos de 45,233 clientas de servicios de aborto en la Ciudad de México y la información de una encuesta poblacional aplicada a 1,289 mujeres urbanas sobre su adopción inmediata de anticonceptivos posparto. El resultado primario investigado fue la recepción de cualquier método anticonceptivo moderno reversible; los resultados secundarios fueron el nivel de efectividad del método y el tipo de método. Se utilizó regresión logística y probabilidades multivariadas calculadas para controlar los efectos de los factores sociodemográficos en las dos fuentes de datos. Resultados: La probabilidad ajustada de la adopción de cualquier método anticonceptivo moderno reversible fue mayor entre las usuarias de aborto que entre las mujeres en período posparto (67% vs. 48%). Sin embargo, en el total de mujeres que habían recibido un método anticonceptivo, las clientas de servicios de aborto tuvieron una probabilidad ajustada menor de haber recibido un anticonceptivo reversible de acción prolongada que las mujeres posparto (49% frente a 82%) y una probabilidad más alta de haber recibido un método anticonceptivo moderadamente eficaz (38% vs. 13%). La probabilidad ajustada de adopción del implante fue mayor entre las usuarias de aborto que entre las mujeres en período posparto (9% vs. 3%), mientras que la probabilidad ajustada de adopción del DIU fue menor (38% vs. 78%). Conclusiones: Las mujeres que se recibieron servicios de aborto en el Programa de Interrupción Legal del Embarazo en el sector público de la Ciudad de México tuvieron más probabilidades que las mujeres urbanas en período posparto de recibir un método anticonceptivo moderno reversible antes de ser dadas de alta de la institución de salud. A las mujeres se les debe ofrecer la gama completa de métodos anticonceptivos después de cualquier evento obstétrico, para ayudarlas a prevenir embarazos no deseados y evitar intervalos cortos entre embarazos.

RÉSUMÉ Contexte: Au Mexique, l'avortement au premier trimestre de la grossesse est légal dans la ville de Mexico et peut être obtenu dans le secteur public et privé. Comprendre l'adoption ultérieure de la contraception par les patientes de l'avortement au premier trimestre et leur éventail de méthodes, par rapport aux femmes qui accouchent d'un enfant vivant en structure sanitaire pourrait aider à identifier les possibilités d'amélioration des soins après un événement obstétrical dans l'ensemble du système de santé. Méthodes: Sur la base d'une étude de cohorte rétrospective, cet article compare l'adoption de la contraception avant la sortie de la structure de soins, entre les patientes ayant subi un avortement dans le cadre du programme public d'avortement de Mexico et les femmes post-partum en milieu urbain. Les deux sources de données considérées sont les dossiers cliniques de 45 233 patientes de l'avortement à Mexico et l'information obtenue d'une enquête en population relative à 1 289 femmes urbaines concernant leur adoption immédiate de la contraception après l'accouchement. Le résultat principal examiné était l'obtention d'une méthode contraceptive moderne réversible quelconque; les résultats secondaires étaient le niveau d'efficacité de la méthode et le type de méthode. Pour les deux sources de données, les effets de facteurs sociodémographiques ont été contrôlés par régression logistique et probabilités multivariables calculées. Résultats: La probabilité corrigée d'adoption d'une méthode de contraception moderne réversible quelconque s'est avérée supérieure parmi les patientes de l'avortement (67% contre 48% chez les femmes post-partum). Cependant, sur la totalité des femmes ayant reçu une méthode contraceptive, les patientes de l'avortement présentaient une moindre probabilité corrigée d'avoir obtenu une méthode réversible à longue durée d'action (49% contre 82% des femmes post-partum) et une plus forte probabilité d'avoir obtenu une méthode modérément efficace (38% contre 13%). La probabilité corrigée d'adoption de l'implant s'est révélée supérieure parmi les clientes de l'avortement (9% contre 3% chez les femmes post-partum), tandis que la probabilité corrigée d'adoption du DIU était plus faible (38% contre 78%). Conclusions: Les femmes qui obtiennent un avortement dans le cadre du programme public d'avortement de Mexico étaient plus susceptibles que leurs homologues post-partum urbaines de recevoir une méthode contraceptive moderne réversible avant de quitter la structure. La gamme complète de méthodes contraceptives doit être proposée aux femmes après tout événement obstétrical, pour les aider à éviter les grossesses non planifiées et les intervalles de grossesse courts.

A repeat dose of misoprostol 800 mcg following mifepristone for outpatient medical abortion at 64-70 and 71-77 days of gestation: A retrospective chart review.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of outpatient medical abortion with mifepristone 200 mg and two misoprostol 800 mcg doses at 64-70 and 71-77 days of gestation. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective chart review of medical abortion outcomes among clients with 64-77 day gestations at a Mexico City public clinic between February 2014 and November 2016 who took mifepristone 200 mg followed 24-48 h later by two doses of misoprostol 800 mcg four hours apart (first dose buccally, second dose sublingually). The primary outcome was successful medical abortion, defined as pregnancy expulsion without surgical intervention. We also assessed additional management and visits to other facilities. We compared outcomes by gestational age (64-70 vs 71-77 days). RESULTS: Of 602 charts reviewed, we analyzed 232 and 218 in the respective groups for effectiveness; nearly 25% of clients were lost to follow up. Treatment success occurred in 231 (99.6%, 95% CI 97.6-100%) clients at 64-70 days and 213 (97.7%, 95% CI 94.7-99.3%) clients at 71-77 days (p = 0.11). Ongoing pregnancy occurred in 1 (0.4%, 95% CI 0-2.4%) and 3 (1.4%, 95% CI 0.3-4.0%) clients, respectively (p = 0.36). Two charts from the 71-77 days group documented visits to other facilities: one bleeding concern prior to scheduled follow up and a hemorrhage during an aspiration intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Regimen effectiveness was high at 64-70 and 71-77 days among clients who attended follow up. However, with 25% attrition, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about effectiveness and associated safety. IMPLICATIONS: Mifepristone 200 mg followed by two doses of misoprostol 800 mcg four hours apart is a promising medical abortion regimen to improve efficacy in pregnancies from 64-77 days of gestation as compared to regimens with an initial single misoprostol dose. Prospective research is recommended to achieve more robust efficacy estimates.

A non-inferiority study of outpatient mifepristone-misoprostol medical abortion at 64-70 days and 71-77 days of gestation.

OBJECTIVES: This open-label non-inferiority study assessed efficacy of a common outpatient medical abortion regimen among people with pregnancies 64-70 days and 71-77 days of gestation. STUDY DESIGN: We defined non-inferiority by a 6% margin of method success. People with intrauterine pregnancies 64-77 days' gestational age by abdominal ultrasound seeking medical abortion at one of eight clinics and met eligibility criteria were offered participation. Consenting participants took mifepristone 200 mg followed 24-48 h later by misoprostol 800 mcg buccally, and returned after one week for provider evaluation and abdominal ultrasound to determine abortion status. Participants recorded medication use, pregnancy expulsion, daily bleeding and pain scores until the one-week follow up. Clinic staff interviewed participants prior to study discharge to assess acceptability. RESULTS: Seven hundred and nineteen participants were enrolled, 393 and 326 in the respective groups. Successful expulsion without surgical intervention was achieved in 92.3% of the earlier gestational age group and 86.7% of the later group (difference in proportions 5.6%, 1-sided 95% CI 9.6). Ongoing pregnancy accounted for 3.6% and 8.7% (p = 0.007) of outcomes, respectively. Participants in the 71-77 day group reported nausea and weakness more frequently. Pain, bleeding and acceptability measures between groups were similar. CONCLUSION: Although the success rate at 71-77 days of gestation was within the non-inferiority margin, we cannot rule out that it is statistically worse than in the previous gestational week. Significantly more ongoing pregnancies in the later group raise concerns about using the regimen at 71-77 days.

Twelve years after abortion decriminalization in Mexico City: Can we still remain an island of liberties?

Latin America hosts the most restrictive abortion legislation globally. In 2007, Mexico, the second largest Catholic country in the world, decriminalized elective abortion within the first twelve weeks of pregnancy in the capital: Mexico City (also known as Federal District of Mexico). Following the reform, the Mexico City Ministry of Health (MX-MOH) implemented safe and legal services. Free services are provided to Mexico City residents and a sliding fee of up to $100 is applied to women from other Mexican states. Conscientious objection (CO) was addressed and included in service provision guidelines. Since 2007, 18 of 32 states amended their penal codes to restrict abortion. The road toward increasing access to abortion services at the MX-MOH included a shift from dilation and curettage (D&C) to medical abortion (MA), first with the misoprostol-alone regimen, followed by the combined mifepristone-misoprostol regimen. Manual vacuum aspiration is offered to out-of-state-women or to those beyond the gestational age where MA is less effective. Contraceptive uptake among abortion seekers is high (up to 95% of them prefer a free method of their choice). The Legal Interruption of Pregnancy program at the MX-MOH continues to provide effective, safe, reliable, and free services. However, women from indigenous groups residing in rural areas, those with low schooling, and adolescents with an unintended pregnancy who live in rural, urban, peri-urban districts, and at the state level are underserved despite being legally eligible to receive abortion services. Therefore, information and services for the disadvantaged groups need to be strengthened.

Safety, efficacy and acceptability of outpatient mifepristone-misoprostol medical abortion through 70 days since last menstrual period in public sector facilities in Mexico City.

Extensive evidence exists regarding the efficacy and acceptability of medical abortion through 63 days since last menstrual period (LMP). In Mexico City's Secretariat of Health (SSDF) outpatient facilities, mifepristone-misoprostol medical abortion is the first-line approach for abortion care in this pregnancy range. Recent research demonstrates continued high rates of complete abortion through 70 days LMP. To expand access to legal abortion services in Mexico City (where abortion is legal through 12 weeks LMP), this study sought to assess the efficacy and acceptability of the standard outpatient approach through 70 days in two SSDF points of service. One thousand and one women seeking pregnancy termination were enrolled and given 200 mg mifepristone followed by 800 µg misoprostol 24-48 hours later. Women were asked to return to the clinic one week later for evaluation. The great majority of women (93.3%; 95% CI: 91.6-94.8) had complete abortions. Women with pregnancies ≤ 8 weeks LMP had significantly higher success rates than women in the 9th or 10th weeks (94.9% vs. 90.5%; p = 0.01). The difference in success rates between the 9th and 10th weeks was not significant (90.0% vs. 91.2%; p = 0.71). The majority of women found the side effects (82.9%) and the use of misoprostol (84.4%) to be very acceptable or acceptable. This study provides additional evidence supporting an extended outpatient medical abortion regimen through 10 weeks LMP.

Sociodemographic factors associated with obstacles to abortion care: findings from a survey of abortion patients in Mexico City.

BACKGROUND: First-trimester abortion was legalized in Mexico City in 2007, and services are now provided at public and private sites throughout the city. However, little is known about the obstacles women face when seeking abortion care. METHODS: We surveyed women who obtained abortion services (n = 398) at three public sector facilities in Mexico City to identify the obstacles women faced when obtaining abortions. We used logistic regression to test whether obstacles varied by sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: Women with low education were more likely than high school-educated women to report difficulty getting appointments. Unmarried women and women with low education were more likely than married women or high school educated women to report difficulty getting time off work for appointments and arranging for transportation to the facility. Separated or divorced women were more likely than married women to report partner or other family member opposition to the abortion. Women who lived outside of Mexico City were more likely than Mexico City residents to report difficulty with transportation. CONCLUSION: Education, marital status, and place of residence were associated with the obstacles women reported. Strategies to improve access to care should be targeted to the groups at highest risk of experiencing obstacles: Women with primary education or lower, single women, separated/divorced women, and those residing outside of Mexico City.

Proteína C reactiva como detector temprano de carioamnioitis en ruptura prematura de membranas / C-Reactive protein as an early as an early detector of choriommioitis in premature rupture of membranes

El propósito de este estudio es correlacionar los niveles de Proteína C Reactiva (PCR) medida con técnicas de nefelometría, con otros indicadores de infección y determinar su exactitud en la detección temprana de corioamniotis. Se estudiaron prospectivamente 30 pacientes con embarazos entre las 28 y 35 semanas de gestación con diagnóstico de ruptura prematura de membranas (RPM); comparandolo con un grupo control también de 30 pacientes con embarazos de edades gestacionales similares sin RPM; infección, enfermedades autoinmunes o inflamatoria crónica. Se tomó como valor de corte para la PCR el de 2mg/dl. En el grupo de estudio se encontraron 17 pacientes consideradas positivas y 13 negativas; la diferencia entre los valores de PCR obtenidos en mujeres infectadas y no infectadas fué significativa con una probabilidad menor a 0.001 (fisher), con una sensibilidad de 94.12% y especificida de 100%, valor predictivo positivo de 100% y predictivo negativo de 98.86%. Los datos aquí presentados, sugieren que la PCR es un detector temprano de infección amniótica