First experiences with a (15S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2alpha vaginal device for termination of early first trimester pregnancy with serial sonographic observations.

A silastic device containing 10 mg (15S)-15-Methyl Prostaglandin F2alpha was administered vaginally in three parous patients under 50 days gestation who requested therapeutic abortion. Painful contractions appeared within one hour and vaginal bleeding within three hours of application. All patients aborted, although in one tissue had to be removed from the uterus. Plasma progesterone concentrations were measured in two patients: they decreased within four hours, then increased slightly and finally decreased 24 hours after administration of the device. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea were observed in all three patients. The estimated blood loss was less than 100 ml and no significant hematocrit changes were observed in all patients. In serial sonographic examinations of one patient, the fragmentation and dislodgment of the gestational sac could be observed within six hours after administration of the device. After these albeit limited experiences, it is concluded that the (15S)-15-Methyl PGF2alpha vaginal device is of great potential value for induction of early first trimester abortion.