Induction of abortion by PGF2 alpha in the second trimester of pregnancy

The Authors evaluate the efficacy of the intravenous infusion of PGF2 alpha in the induction of abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy with live fetus (Italian Law no. 194/1978). Abortion occurred in 3 out of 11 (27.27%) nulliparous patients, and uterine curettage was necessary in 2 cases. The interval between administration of the drug and the beginning of uterine contractions was 31.42 +/- 14.15 minutes (range 10 to 35 minutes), the duration of infusion was 7.55 +/- 3.64 hours (range 7 to 9.15 hours), the interval between initiation of infusion and delivery was 8.10 +/- 2.60 hours (range 7 to 9.45 hours), and the dose administered was 20.23 +/- 3.75 mg (range 15 to 25 mg). Side effects were reported in 10 cases (90.90%), and in 5 cases these effects were caused by interruption of infusion. Abortion occurred in 7 out of 13 pluriparous patients (53.84%), and uterine curettage was necessary in 4 cases. The interval between administration of the drug and the beginning of uterine contractions was 20 +/- 12.24 minutes (range 20 to 45 minutes), the duration of infusion was 8.26 +/- 0.9 hours (range 3.10 to 16 hours), the interval between initiation of infusion and delivery was 8.40 +/- 0.8 hours (range 3.0 to 9.6 hours), and the dose administered was 19.28 +/- 5.34 mg (range 5 to 25 mg). Side effects were reported in 11 cases (84.61%), and in 6 cases these effects were caused by interruption of infusion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)