[16-Phenoxy-prostaglandin-E2 for inducing abortion in intact and complicated pregnancy]

The prostaglandins used so far in early pregnancy exercise distressingly strong side effects (Table 5). These side effects are closely correlated with the effectiveness of the prostaglandins. 16-phenoxy-prostaglandin-E2 (SHB 286) was employed in 476 women for inducing abortion in intact and disturbed pregnancy and for priming before performing a planned abruptio. During the priming of 64 women before inducing abortion, this was induced in 59% of the women already by a single intramuscular application of 500 micrograms SHB 286-depending on parity, whereas in the remaining cases it was possible to avoid dilatation of the cervix or to substantially facilitate dilatation technique. For inducing abortion during the second trimenon, SHB 286 was applied extra-amnially in 15 cases, intra-amnially in 24, intravenously in 56 and intramuscularly in 99 cases. The dosage was lowest on extra-amnial administration (50 micrograms on the average), and highest on intramuscular application with a mean of 1760 micrograms. The time until induced abortion set in was between 16 hours (intra-amnial application) and 12 hours (intravenous application). The rate of abortions was more than 90% on intra-amnial, intravenous and intramuscular application, and 80% on extra-amnial application. In case of missed abortion and hydatid mole, SHB 286 was applied systemically only. In missed abortion the mean dosage up to expulsion was 1700 micrograms on intravenous administration, whereas it was 1126 micrograms only if given intramuscularly. The dosage for inducing abortion was 8 hours by the IV route and 10 hours by the IM route.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)