The effects on platelet aggregation of oral prostaglandin E2 used for the induction of labour.

Secondary ADP induced platelet aggregation was inhibited in 17 patients after the administration of oral prostaglandin E2 tablets for the induction of labour. Primary ADP induced aggregation was shown to be inhibited by oral prostglandin E2 when the platelets responded to the lower concentration of 0-5 mug/ml of ADP. This inhibition was not detectable when the higher concentration of 1-0 mug/ml ADP was necessary. There would appear to be a decreased risk of thrombosis initiated by platelet aggregation as a result of using oral PGE2 tablets for inducing labour.