[Therapeutic induction of abortion in the 1st and 2nd trimesters with intramuscular 15-methyl-prostaglandin F2 alpha].

The effectiveness of intramuscular 15-methyl-prostaglandin F2alpha (15-methyl-PGF2alpha) application for therapeutic abortion was studied in 16 women during the first and second trimester (12 to 17 weeks) of pregnancy. 250 microgram 15-methyl-PGF2alpha were administered initial and at intervals of 2 hours. Of the 16 subjects, 2 aborted completely, 13 aborted incompletely and 1 failed to abort. The mean abortion time for the 15 successful abortions was 11,25 hours and the mean 15-methyl-PGF2alpha dosage 1,35 mgs. Vomiting and diarrhea were the most prevalent side effects occurring in 12 of 16 patients. No serious complications occurred. In 9 women between 7 to 13 weeks of pregnancy a single intramuscular injection of 250 microgram 15-methyl-PGF2alpha was administered 11 to 13 hours prior to vacuum aspiration. All subjects had a gradual softening and dilatation of the cervix (5 to 8 mm). In 7 of 9 patients occurring gastro-intestinal side effects. Acute ascension was observed in 2 women after vacuum aspiration. All subjects had a gradual softning and dilatation of the cervix (5 to 8 mm). In 7 of 9 patients occurring gastro-intestinal side effects. Acute ascension was observed in 2 women after vacuum aspiration. Intramuscular administration of 15-methyl-PGF2alpha appears to be an effective abortifacient. Gastro-intestinal side effects can be reduced by antiemetic and antidiarrheal agents or lowering the initial dose of 15-methyl-PGF2alpha.