Intramuscular (15S)-15-methyl prostaglandin F2alpha for midtrimester and missed abortions.
The efficacy of intramuscular 15-me-PGF2alpha as an abortifacient was evaluated in 40 women between 14 and 20 weeks of gestation and 6 patients with missed abortions. Pregnancy was successfully terminated in all the cases. The injection-abortion interval was significantly lower in 20 patients (Group II) who had intracervical laminaria insertion prior to treatment with 15-me-PGF2alpha than in 10 women (Group I) without laminaria insertion (t = 7.2; P less than .001). Abortion was also accomplished in 10 women with ruptured membranes and 6 patients with missed abortions. Gastrointestinal side effects were minimal and acceptable when premedication with antiemetics and an antidiarrheal was used. This study demonstrates the availability of the intramuscular route--a simple, safe, reliable means of terminating pregnancy, especially during the early midtrimester period.