15(S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F2 alpha used for induction of delivery in the case of intra-uterine fetal death.

102 pregnant women with intra-uterine fetal death after the 12th week of gestation were treated with 15(S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F2 alpha intramuscularly with doses of 125-250 micrograms at 2-3 hourly intervals. In all cases abortion or delivery was completed within 30 hours. The average time in primigravidae was 9 hours 43 minutes, and in multigravidae 9 hours and 59 minutes. In approximately two-thirds of the patients, mild or moderate gastrointestinal side effects were recorded in spite of prophylactic treatment with Retardin or Loperamide + Diphenoxylate. The therapy was found to be effective, easy to administer and the side effects acceptable. No serious side effects were recorded.