CONTINUOUS EXTRA‐AMNIOTIC PROSTAGLANDIN E₂ FOR THERAPEUTIC TERMINATION AND THE EFFECTIVENESS O VARIOUS INFUSION RATES AND DOSAGES

Abstract

Summary Continuous extra‐amniotic prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) was given to 91 healthy women to terminate pregnancies of from 10–20 weeks gestation. One patient failed to abort. Of 68 patients given doses of 66–5 to 133–5μg. of PGE 2 per hour, 61 aborted within 36 hours. Using 46.5μg. of PGE 2 per hour the mean induction‐abortion interval was increased and only 13 of 20 patients aborted within 36 hours. Persistent side‐effects limited treatment with doses of 333.5μg. of PGE 2 per hour. Less PGE 2 was used and there were practical advantages in giving 66.5μg. per hour.