Early pregnancy interruption with two 15-ME-PGF2a suppositories.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Vaginal administration of 15-ME-PGF2a suppositories successfully terminated pregnancy, as determined by a negative pregnancy test at 14 days following insertion, in 34 of 39 patients with gestations of 34 to 51 days of amenorrhea. Fifteen of 20 patients who received a single long-acting 3-mg suppository had negative pregnancy tests at follow-up, while all 19 patients in whom the 3-mg suppository was preceded by a rapidly acting 1-mg suppository successfully aborted. This two-suppository regimen resulted in a more rapid onset of uterine activity and vaginal bleeding, as well as a slight decrease in gastrointestinal side effects. Peripheral plasma levels of 15-ME-PGF2a as detected by radioimmunoassay were also more consistent with two suppositories. It appeared that the rapidly acting 1-mg suppository provided a "prostaglandin impact" which significantly enhanced the abortifacient effectiveness of the technique. Nine patients on the 2-suppository regimen had the procedure performed on an outpatient basis. Expanded studies are indicated to determine the practicality of this technique as a valid pharmacologic alternative to surgical interruption of very early pregnancy.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Lauersen, NH; Wilson, KH

Published Date

  • March 1, 1980

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 21 / 3

Start / End Page

  • 273 - 282

PubMed ID

  • 7389352

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0010-7824

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/0010-7824(80)90006-2

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States