[Clinical experience with sulprostone (author's transl)]

Sulprostone (SHB 286, Schering) was used for the induction of abortion mainly in patients with missed abortion, but also in cases of intrauterine death and hydatid mole (total number: 226). In the first trimester a single injection of 25 or 50 mcg into the cervix ("intramural" injection) in order to obtain preoperative dilatation of the cervix was favoured. In the second and third trimester Sulprostone was administered by the intravenous (mean dosage 925 mcg), the intragluteal (mean dosage 540 mcg) or the extra-amniotic (mean dosage 660 mcg) route. After "intramural" administration an abortion score of at least 20 according to Csapo was obtained in 78% of patients. With the intravenous route the abortion rate was 86%, with the extra-amniotic 74% and with the intragluteal route 70%. The main use of "intramural" application is seen in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy in order to ensure non-traumatic dilatation of the cervix. In the second and third trimester intravenous and intragluteal administration seem to be superior to the extra-amniotic route because of their better tolerance.