Coagulation changes during management of fetal death with 15(s)-15-methylprostaglandin F2 alpha

Changes in the coagulation mechanism were studied during and after 15(S)-15-methylprostaglandin F2 alpha (15-me-PGF2 alpha) administration for termination of pregnancy because of intrauterine fetal death after 20 wk pregnancy. 12 patients, of whom 2 were under and 6 over 28 wk, were studied. 2-Hourly intramuscular administration of 250 microgram 15-me-PGF2 alpha resulted in expulsion in a median time of 9 h (range: 2-24.3 h). Although the drug may have some inhibitory effect on platelet aggregation, its influence on coagulation and the hemostatic mechanism was negligible.