Use of prostaglandin E1 ovules in the therapeutic interruption of pregnancy in the 2d and 3d trimesters. Apropos of 46 cases
Monnier, J.C.; Caron-Grillet, C.; Vinatier, D.; Patey-Savatier, P.; Maunoury-Lefebvre, C.
Revue Francaise de Gynecologie et d'Obstetrique 82(3): 195-198
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0035-290X PMID: 3589358 Document Number: 303412
46 late interruptions of pregnancy (16 to 33 weeks of amenorrhea) were performed with the use of prostaglandins E1 ovules, of 1 mg, placed in the posterior vaginal cul-de-sac every 12 hours. It concerned 13 deaths in utero or extremely premature rupture of the membranes, 25 fetal indications (9 chromosomal abnormalities and 16 severe malformations), and 8 maternal indications. The efficacy was good either with ovules alone (84.7%) or associated with a balloon probe (5.3%). Expulsion is faster in the case of fetal deaths (average = 8 hours), than in therapeutic interruptions of pregnancy (average = 20 hours). The necessary doses did not exceed 3 mg of PgE1. There were very few side effects, essentially gastro-intestinal in nature and the course was simple. No obstetrical complication was noted. This method is therefore particularly effective with minimal side effects. Easy to use, it must be reserved for very precise indications.