EFFECTS OF INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTIONS OF 15(S)-15-METHYL PROSTAGLANDIN-F2ALPHA IN FAILED ABORTIONS

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 28  (10) , 1044-1047
Abstract
I.m. injections of 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2.alpha. (15-Me-PGF2.alpha.) induced abortion in 38 patients who had failed to abort with other techniques, such as intra-amniotic instillation of saline or PGF2.alpha. and intravaginal insertion of prostaglandin-impregnated Silastic devices. The i.m. injections of 15-Me-PGF2.alpha. were initiated when the original abortion techniques, even when augmented by i.v. oxytocin, failed to produce expulsion of the fetus. The dose schedule was 250 .mu.g or 500 .mu.g every 2-4 h, and the concomitant i.v. oxytocin was continued at a rate of 167 mU/min. Of the 38 patients, 26 aborted with 2 or fewer injections of 15-Me-PGF2.alpha. and 30 patients required only 1 mg of the drug to expel the fetus successfully. The mean time from the 1st injection of 15-Me-PGF2.alpha. to the expulsion of the fetus was 5.25 h; 1/2 of the patients aborted in less than 4 h. The placenta was expelled spontaneously in 15 patients, removed manually from the vagina in 18 and removed by sponge forceps in 3. Two abortions were incomplete and surgical intervention was required. Patients (28 or 74%) experienced gastrointestinal disturbances, chiefly vomitting and diarrhea. I.m. administration of 15-Me-PGF2.alpha. eliminates the need for repeated amniocentesis, and the dose may be adjusted to meet the precise requirements of the clinical situation.

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