Experience with prostaglandin E2 in obstetric practice
Mehta, A.; Popat, N.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of India 24(6): 533-544
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0971-9202 PMID: 12311296 Document Number: 575395
The efficacy of PGE2 (prostaglandin E2) as an oxytocic agent in induction of labor and for obstetrically indicated abortion was assessed. PGE2 was administered in 115 selected cases during the period January 1971 to February 29, 1972. 105 cases were in the 3rd trimester and 10 in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. The route of administration of PG was by intravenous drip method by adding the PG to 500 ml of 5% solution of dextrose. The dose of PG in the 3rd trimester was 0.3 mg added to 500 ml of 5% dextrose, and in the 2nd trimester 2 mg of PGE2 was added. A preinduction evaluation of every case was done by Friedman's modification of Bishop's pelvic score. 94 inductions and 9 abortions ended successfully. All of the 53 inductions performed for convenience at or about term were successful. From among the 17 cases in which pregnancy was prolonged for 10 days or more beyond the expected date of delivery, 13 were successfully induced. The induction delivery time among the successful cases varied from 2 hours 17 minutes to 39 hours 5 minutes, with the total dose of PG ranging from 0.06 mg to 1.1 mg. The successful abortions had taken from 1 hour 45 minutes to 43 hours 30 minutes with doses ranging from 0.3 mg to 6.3 mg. Among the 11 unsuccessful induced cases of 3rd trimester, 3 had caesarean section, 1 had a hysterectomy, 1 was delivered by a Willet's forceps application and traction in association with an oxytocin drip, and the 6 remaining had spontaneous deliveries. All of the side-effects were dose-per-minute related and consequently were more frequent and more severe in 2nd trimester abortions. From both the maternal and fetal point of view, PGE2 was extremely safe. The oxytocic effect of PGE2 was established.