Objective To evaluate and select essential medicine for abortion using evidence-based approaches based on the burden of disease.
Methods By means of the approaches, criteria, and workflow set up in the second article of this series, we referred to the recommendations of evidence-based or authority guidelines from inside and outside China, collected relevant evidence from domestic clinical studies, and recommended essential medicine based on evidence-based evaluation. Data were analyzed by Review Manager (RevMan) 5.1 and GRADE profiler 3.6 to evaluate quality of evidence.
Results (1) Four guidelines on medicine for abortion were included, two of which are based on evidence. (2) Included guidelines referred to eight essential medicines used in drug abortion and four antibiotics used after abortion surgery. (3) According to WHOEML (2011), NEML (2009), CNF (2010), other guideline and the quantity and quality of evidence, we offered a b recommendation for misoprostol, mifepristone, oxytocin except prostaglandins used in abortion. (4) Published literature on oxytocin, misoprostol and mifepristone were found. Oxytocin with the dosage form and specification corresponding to guidelines has been marketed in China. Oxytocin (in vial, 10 U∶1 mL) cost 1.5 yuan/injection. Mifepristone (tablet, 25 mg×1) cost 13.0 to 27.5 yuan/tablet. Misoprostol (0.2 mg×3) cost 2.8 to 3.7 yuan/ tablet. (5) Results of domestic studies indicated that mifepristone combined with misoprostol and oxytocin was safe, efficient, convenient and applicable to the treatment of abortion.
Conclusion For abortion: (1) We make a recommendation for mifepristone plus misoprostol. Mifepristone (25 to 50 mg/tablet) is orally taken twice a day, continually for 2 to 3 days, the total dose of 150 mg for three days. Misoprostol (0.2 mg/ tablet) 0.6 mg is orally given on an empty stomach within 36 to 48 hours after the intake of mifepristone. (2) Oxytocin (5 to 10 U in vial) injected after delivering the placenta can reduce the volume and time of vaginal bleeding. In future, clinical study should be standardized in order to improve design and implementation quality.
Citation: LI Cuicui,LI Xianglian,LI Youping,YANG Xiaoyan,LI Honghao,WANG Yingqiang,WANG Li,SHEN Jiantong,Li Xiao,YANG Zongxia. Evidence-Based Evaluation and Selection of Essential Medicine for Township Health Centre in China: 20. Abortion. Chinese Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine, 2012, 12(8): 1024-1029. doi: 10.7507/1672-2531.20120159 Copy