Evidence for a local effect of intracervical prostaglandin E2-gel.
Eight primigravid women with a mean gestational age of 9.4 weeks (9 to 10 weeks) who were admitted for first-trimester abortion by dilatation and evacuation were preoperatively treated for 6 hours with either intravenous infusion of oxytocin or a strictly intracervical application of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in viscous gel. Myometrial activity was monitored by intrauterine pressure recording throughout the treatment. Contractile activity was more pronounced in the oxytocin-treated group, whereas cervical priming occurred after the PGE2 treatment only. Intracervical PGE2-gel is suggested to have direct effects on the cervical tissues, independent of uterine contractile activity. Furthermore, myometrial stimulation induced by escape of gel into the extra-amniotic space can be avoided by adjusting the volume of gel and technique of application to the dimensions of the cervix.
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects*; D004106:Dilatation / Q000379:methods; D015232:Dinoprostone; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D007263:Infusions, Parenteral; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First; D011312:Pressure; D011458:Prostaglandins E / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects
D005782:Gels; D011458:Prostaglandins E; D010121:Oxytocin; D015232:Dinoprostone