Perry K G, Roberts W E, Martin R W, Magann E F, Sullivan D L, Morrison J C
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505, USA.
J Perinatol. 1998 Jan-Feb;18(1):24-7.
To compare the efficacy, safety, and side effects of intra-amniotic (15S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2 alpha (15-M-PGF2 alpha) and intravaginal prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) for midtrimester uterine evacuation.
Ninety-three patients underwent therapeutic midtrimester pregnancy termination by the use of laminaria placement and intra-amniotic injection of 15-M-PGF2 alpha. A matched control group underwent uterine evacuation by laminaria placement and insertion of PGE2 intravaginal suppositories. The main outcomes studied were time to delivery, side effects, and complications.
The 15-M-PGF2 alpha group had a shorter time to delivery (12.3 +/- 6.4 hours) compared with the PGE2 group (16.2 +/- 6.6 hours, p < 0.0001). The evacuation rate over time was significantly greater in the 15-M-PGF2 alpha group (p = 0.001). The PGE2 group had a significantly higher incidence of side effects.
The use of intra-amniotic 15-M-PGF2 alpha for therapeutic second-trimester pregnancy termination is safe and is associated with a more rapid evacuation of the uterus and fewer side effects than intravaginal PGF2 suppositories.
