Systolic time intervals and haemodynamic changes during intravenous infusion of prostaglandins F2 alpha and E2.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The cardiovascular effects of prostaglandin[PG]F2.alpha. and PGE2 were studied in 12 healthy pregnant women in the 1st trimester. The investigation was carried out under general anesthesia immediately after suction abortion. During i.v. infusion of the PG, the cardiac output and the pressures in the pulmonary and femoral arteries were measured and the systolic time intervals were recorded. Five women received PGF2.alpha. in increasing doses from 100- to 300 .mu.g/min. A significant rise was observed in cardiac output, pulmonary resistance and femoral artery pressure. The peripheral resistance was unchanged while the pulmonary resistance was doubled. A significant fall occurred in PO2 [partial pressure of O2] together with a significant rise in PCO2 [partial pressure of CO2]. Left ventricular ejection time (LVET) rose but not significantly. The pre-ejection period (PEP) and PEP/LVET fell significantly and diastolic blood pressure/PEP (BPd/PEP) rose significantly. Five women were given PGE2 in doses increasing from 5 to 15 .mu.g/min. During the infusion the cardiac output rose significantly. There was a significant fall in femoral artery pressure and peripheral resistance. The pulmonary resistance and pulmonary artery pressure remained unchanged. LVET and PBd/PEP were unchanged, while PEP and PEP/LVET showed a significant fall. Two women received isotonic saline infusion and acted as control patients. Neither the hemodynamic measurements nor the systolic time intervals showed any significant changes during the period under study. PGF2.alpha. has a positive inotropic effect but also increases the pulmonary artery pressure and changes the ventilation/perfusion ratio of the lungs in the wrong direction. PGE2 appears to cause only a moderate peripheral vasodilatation. Both compounds are used in gynecology for abortion and the induction of labor. Because of cardiopulmonary effects PGE2 should be preferred for clinical use. Patients with cardiopulmonary disease should not be given PGF2.alpha.