INTRAMUSCULAR 15(S)15 METHYL PGF_2α FOR PREOPERATIVE CERVICAL DILATATION DURING FIRST TRIMESTER

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Reproductive Medicine
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cervical dilatation is crucial for procedures like vacuum aspiration in early pregnancy.
• Pharmacological agents can facilitate cervical ripening, improving procedural outcomes.
• 15(S)15 methyl prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is a synthetic prostaglandin analogue with potential uterotonic and cervical ripening effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a single intramuscular injection of 15(S)15 methyl PGF2α (Prostin 15M) in achieving cervical dilatation.
• To compare the degree of cervical dilatation induced by Prostin 15M with a control group.
• To assess associated side effects and blood loss during vacuum aspiration.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving women undergoing first-trimester vacuum aspiration.
• Administration of a single 250 µg intramuscular dose of Prostin 15M to the treatment group.
• Assessment of cervical dilatation and uterine consistency three hours post-injection.
• Comparison with a control group receiving no pharmacological cervical priming.

Main Results:

• The Prostin 15M group achieved a mean cervical dilatation of 9.7 ± 2.3 mm, significantly greater than the control group's 3.4 ± 1.5 mm (p <0.01).
• Common side effects included vomiting (18.6%) and diarrhea (20.9%).
• No significant difference in blood loss was observed between the groups.

Conclusions:

• A single intramuscular dose of Prostin 15M is effective in promoting cervical dilatation prior to first-trimester vacuum aspiration.
• Prostin 15M offers a viable pharmacological option for cervical priming, enhancing procedural preparation.
• The observed side effects are generally manageable, and the intervention does not appear to increase blood loss.