Bronchoconstriction and pulmonary hypertension during abortion induced by 15-methyl-prostaglandin F2alpha

Patients have experienced severe breathlessness during second trimester abortion initiated by the intramuscular injection of 15-methyl-prostaglandin F2alpha (15-me-PGF2alpha). In four healthy women given 400 mug of 15-me-PGF2alpha to induce abortion, pulmonary function tests showed reductions in arterial oxygen tension, maximum expired air flow and vital capacity. Residual lung volume and the slope of phase III of the closing volume curves increased.