The use of prostaglandin E1 analogue pessaries in patients having first trimester induced abortions.

A new prostaglandin analogue, 16,16-dimethyl=trans-delta 2-PGE1 methyl ester (16 me E1) was used for preoperative cervical dilatation in 23 pregnant women who had abortion induced for socio-economical reasons in the first trimester of pregnancy. A single vaginal pessary containing 1 mg 16 me E1 was inserted into the posterior fornix at 3-hour intervals. Thirteen (56.5 per cent) of the 23 patients had complete abortions and two patients (8.7 percent) had incomplete abortions. In six patients (26.1 per cent) the cervix was dilated to at least 10 mm and the remaining two patients (8.7 per cent) required mechanical dilatation at the time of vacuum evacuation. Apart from mild gastrointestinal symptoms, no serious side effects were noted. It is concluded that the new prostaglandin analogue, 16 me E1, could be used safely and effectively for preoperative dilatation of the cervix before surgical abortion in early pregnancy.