PROSTAGLANDINS IN UMBILICAL PLASMA AT ELECTIVE CAESAREAN SECTION

Abstract

Prostaglandin E (PGE), prostaglandin F (PGF) and 13,14-dihydro-15-ketoprostaglandin F (PGFM) have been measured in umbilical cord plasma obtained immediately after delivery by elective Caesarean section. Umbilical venous plasma levels of PGE were significantly greater than the corresponding arterial levels (p less than 0.02); there were no significant arterio-venous differences for PGF or PGFM. In general, concentrations of PGFM exceeded those of PGE which in turn were greater than concentrations of PGF. Umbilical venous levels of PGE and both arterial and venous levels of PGF and PGFM were significantly greater after spontaneous labour with vaginal delivery than after elective Caesarean section.