Misoprostol Dose and Timing Before Surgical Abortion at 13 to 16 Weeks' Gestation: a Randomized Trial

The investigators compared two doses and intervals of buccal misoprostol for cervical preparation before surgical abortion at 13 to 16 weeks' gestation. This blinded randomized trial compared 400 mcg misoprostol administered 3 hours and 600 mcg administered 1.5 hours before abortion. The investigators analyzed results for the primary outcome (procedure time) using a non-inferiority limit of 3 or more minutes. The investigators tested two separate non-inferiority hypotheses each powered at 95% (2.5% confidence interval) for two gestational age groups: 13.0-14.3 and 14.4-15.6 weeks. Assuming 10% withdrawals, the investigators required 118 participants. Secondary outcomes included mechanical dilation, complications, provider satisfaction, and patient side effects and acceptability.