[Endogenous prostaglandins and steroid hormones in premature labor induction in diabetic patients]

Prostaglandins E and F2 alpha as well as two steroid hormones, progesterone and unconjugated oestriol, were measured in amniotic fluid of 30 diabetics. The prostaglandin levels of all patients went up with significance after the os uteri had clearly opened. No rise in prostaglandin levels was recordable from induction of labour without opening of the os uteri. High primary prostaglandin levels, prior to induction of labour, and low progesterone/oestriol quotients were observed along with short-time courses of parturition. On the other hand, low prostaglandin values prior to induction of labour and slow rise during induction were recordable from protracted courses of labour.