Treatment of preeclampsia with prostaglandin A1

The vasodepressor prostaglandin A1 appeared to offer a major clinical potential solution in cases of severe pregnancy-induced hypertension. Thirty pregnant women with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension and a low Bishop score were studied in three equal groups. Group 1 received prostaglandin A1 infusions alone (0.5 microgram/kg/min for a maximum of 24 hours). Group 2 had received initial priming by prostaglandin E2 vaginal gel 6 hours before the onset of the prostaglandin A1 infusion, and group 3 was treated by conventional therapy and oxytocin induction. In the first two groups blood pressure was reduced to normotensive values, and labor was induced satisfactorily in 15 of the 20 cases, but four patients in group 1 were delivered within 24 hours after infusion. Group 2 offered the most favorable results because 80% were delivered during the infusion; thus the postinfusion rebound rise in blood pressure was avoided. Group 3 presented the least acceptable results, with the highest failure rate and an increased number of operative deliveries.