HIGH‐DOSE INTRAVENOUS ADMINISTRATION OF PROSTAGLANDIN E₂ AND F_2α FOR THE TERMINATION OF MIDTRIMESTER PREGNANCIES

Abstract

Intravenous prostaglandins E2 and F,, were administered for the induction of abortion in 20 patients. A steeply increasing high-dose regime was employed. Side effects were closely monitored and blood and urine analyses carried out before, during and after infusion. Compared with a low-dose regime previously reported the efficacy of the method was disappointing while the incidence of toxic effects was high. Leucocytosis and ketonuria were common findings. In three patients curtailment of infusion of PGF,, was necessitated by persistent vomiting and diarrhoea while in two patients receiving PGE, a "phlebitic" type reaction prevented further infusion. In these five patients prostaglandin therapy was continued by the intrauterine route without disturbing side effects.

Determination of prostaglandin synthetase activity in rectal biopsy material and its significance in colonic disease.

“…Since PGs can cause diarrhoea (Karim, 1971;Hillier and Embrey, 1972), PG synthetase activity has been studied in the irritable bowel syndrome and in ulcerative colitis, two conditions in which diarrhoea is an important symptom.…”

Induction of Abortion by Extra-amniotic Administration of Prostaglandins E2 and F2

“…Using intravenous PGE2 (2-5 ug/min) Embrey (1970b) induced abortion in 90°o" of cases. However, using a high-dose regimen (PGE2 2-5-20 scg/min; PGF2, 25-200 tg/min) we induced abortion in only 5000 of patients (Hillier, 1971;Hillier and Embrey, 1972). Filshie (1970a, 1970b) obtained a high success rate with low-dose administration (5 ,ug/min PGE,; 50 tg/min PGF, e), whereas Wiqvist et al (1971a) found a mean dose of 108 ,tg/min PGF2 ce was required to achieve comparable success.…”

“…Attempts to shorten the infusion time by using larger doses were disappointing and resulted only in an intolerable level of side effects (Hillier and Embrey, 1972).…”

Plasma Steroid and Luteinizing Hormone Levels during Prostaglandin F2 Administration in Luteal Phase of Menstrual Cycle

“…High doses are required before progesterone levels are affected; and this is associated with side effects similar to those seen during PGF,oc infusion in early pregnancy (Hillier and Embrey, 1972).…”