Comparison of two prostaglandins used to terminate midtrimester pregnancy

One of the most widely used methods of pregnancy termination has involved the use of prostaglandin drugs. Vaginal suppositories containing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) have been used successfully by many investigators. Because of problems with a long delay between induction and abortion, as well as minor side effects, other prostaglandin agents have been tested. In our study, 17 matched patients given PGE2 vaginal suppositories to induce abortion were compared with a similar group in whom the methyl ester of prostaglandin F2 alpha ( MPGF2 alpha) was used. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in side effects, number of patients requiring curettage, or placental expulsion time. Patients treated with PGE2 had a shorter fetal expulsion time (P less than .001), and there were no major complications in either group. It appears from these data that multiple PGE2 vaginal suppositories are equal to or better than the newer single MPGF2a suppository followed by intramuscular injections when used for second trimester terminations.