Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026
10:12
A Novel Surgical Approach for Intratracheal Administration of Bioactive Agents in a Fetal Mouse Model
Published on: October 31, 2012
Labor induction abortion utilizing trilostane, a 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor
Paul A le Roux1, Zephne M van der Spuy
1Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town/Groote Schuur Hospital, P.O. Box 34584, Groote Schuur, 7937, Cape Town, South Africa. pleroux@absamail.co.za
Contraception
|April 28, 2005
Summary
Trilostane pretreatment effectively shortens induction-to-delivery times for second-trimester labor induction abortion when prostaglandins are used. This approach offers a viable alternative in resource-limited settings where antiprogestins are unavailable.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Pharmacology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Second-trimester labor induction abortion is challenging in developing countries due to limited access to antiprogestins.
- Prostaglandin monotherapy for labor induction abortion is associated with longer induction-to-delivery intervals and higher failure rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of trilostane as an outpatient pretreatment before prostaglandin administration for labor induction abortion.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-three women (13-19 weeks gestation) received trilostane (120 mg twice daily for 24h, then 240 mg twice daily for 24h) as outpatient therapy.
- After 48 hours, women were admitted and randomized to three misoprostol regimens: low-dose vaginal, high-dose vaginal, or vaginal-oral.
- Induction-to-abortion times and side effects were recorded.
Main Results:
- Median induction-to-abortion times were 17 hours (low-dose vaginal), 8.3 hours (high-dose vaginal), and 9.4 hours (vaginal-oral).
- The high-dose vaginal and vaginal-oral misoprostol groups demonstrated significantly shorter induction-to-delivery times (p<.05).
- Common side effects included facial burning (47.7%) and nausea (13.3%), which were mild and self-limiting.
Conclusions:
- Trilostane is a safe and effective outpatient pretreatment for prostaglandin-induced labor abortion.
- This regimen can reduce induction-to-delivery intervals, offering a practical solution in settings with limited antiprogestin availability.
Related Concept Videos
01:07Teratogenicity
The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
01:29Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
01:27Ovarian Cycle
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle length...
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...