Clinical observations with a prostaglandin-containing silastic vaginal device for pregnancy termination.

A salastic vaginal device containing either 0.5% or 1.0% concentrations of 15(s)-15 methyl prostaglandin F2 alpha methyl ester was used to induce therapeutic abortion in 22 patients at 6-16 weeks gestation. The 1.0% device appeared to be an effacious and safe method with cumulative abortion rates similar to that seen with intra-amniotic and intramuscular prostaglandin administration. The 0.5% device appears less effective. Bothersome side effects of emesis and diarrhea were seen with both devices although no serious complications occurred. Uterine activity and serum levels of 15(s)-15 methyl PGF2alpha appeared to reflect the concentration of prostaglandin in the device. The use of a prostaglandin-containing silastic vaginal device appears to be a safe method of pregnancy termination which is convenient, effective, and applicable to a broad range of gestational ages.