Different dosing intervals of mifepristone-misoprostol for second-trimester termination of pregnancy: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Objective To compare 1- and 2-day drug administration interval between mifepristone and misoprostol for second-trimester pregnancy termination and provide evidence-based recommendations. Methods Search strategy: the search was performed in Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for the relevant published studies from their establishment to March 2020. Selection criteria: randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing 1- and 2-day time interval of mifepristone-misoprostol for termination of pregnancy during second-trimester pregnancy were considered. Data were processed using Revman 5.3 software. Results Meta-analyses of three RCTs showed no significant difference was reported in the induction-to-abortion time and successful abortion rate between 1- and 2-day mifepristone and misoprostol intervals. Statistical difference was not identified in the induction-to-abortion time between the two drug administration intervals in nulliparous or parous women. Conclusions Both 1- and 2-day dosing intervals between mifepristone and misoprostol are suitable for clinical use for second-trimester medical termination of pregnancy.