The abortifacient effectiveness and plasma prostaglandin concentrations with 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2alpha methyl ester-containing vaginal silastic devices.

The abortifacient effectiveness of three intravaginal Silastic devices impregnated with 15(S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2alpha (15(S)-Me-PGF2alpha) methyl ester in concentrations of 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1.0% was investigated. Each concentration was tested in 10 patients with gestations ranging from 8 to 19 weeks. Abortion was successfully induced by prostaglandin alone in 6 patients with the 0.25% device, in 9 patients with the 0.5% device, and all 10 patients treated with the 1.0% device. Additionally, three patients treated with the 0.25% device and one patient treated with the 0.5% device aborted with concomitant, continuous, intravenous oxytocin therapy. The mean abortion time with the 0.25% device was 16.43 hours; with the 0.5% device, 16.49 hours; and with the 1.0% device, 10.18 hours. The peripheral plasma levels of 15(S)-Me-PGF2alpha methyl ester were the most variable with the 0.5% device. The plasma levels of 15(S)-Me-PGF2alpha methyl ester of patients receiving the 0.25% device were similar to the levels of patients receiving the 1.0% device. The intravaginal Silastic device impregnated with 15(S)-Me-PGF2alpha methyl ester appears to be an effective abortifacient, but further study is indicated to determine the most efficient device with the fewest side effects.

Duke Scholars

Author Kenneth Heaton Wilson Medicine, Infectious Diseases