The efficacy of letrozole supplementation for medical abortion: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Introduction: The efficacy of letrozole supplementation for medical abortion remains controversial. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the influence of letrozole supplementation for medical abortion. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and Cochrane Library databases through October 2018 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of letrozole supplementation for medical abortion. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. Results: Six RCTs involving 555 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared with control group for pregnant women, letrozole supplementation shows significantly increased complete abortion (RR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.07-1.78; p = .01), and decreased estradiol (std. MD = -2.86; 95% CI = -4.45 to -1.27; p = .0004), but has no remarkable effect on induction-abortion time (std. MD = -1.03; 95% CI = -2.99-0.93; p = .30), progesterone (std. MD = 0.02; 95% CI = -0.30-0.34; p = .89), vaginal hemorrhage (std. MD = 1.84; 95% CI = 0.05-70.90; p = .74), nausea and vomiting (std. MD = 073; 95% CI = 0.44-1.21; p = .22). Conclusions: Letrozole supplementation provides benefits to medical abortion in pregnant women.