Effect of the prostaglandin E1 analogue gemeprost on the blood flow velocity waveforms of uterine arteries during the first trimester of pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of the vaginal application of the prostaglandin (PGE1) analogue gemeprost on the vascular resistance of the main uterine arteries in early pregnancy.


METHODS
A prospective observational study.


METHODS
Twenty-one patients seeking legal termination of pregnancy at 7-12 weeks gestation.


METHODS
Pulsatility indices for the main uterine arteries were measured by vaginal colour Doppler ultrasound before and 3 to 4 h after vaginal application of the PGE1 analogue gemeprost.


RESULTS
A significant increase of pulsatility indices was observed (P < 0.001) which was not affected by parity or gestational age. The change was similar in both uterine arteries, and placental lateralisation did not affect the results. All fetuses were still alive at the second examination.


CONCLUSIONS
Vaginal application of prostaglandin analogue gemeprost in early pregnancy increases the vascular resistance of uterine arteries. This may be caused by a direct vasoconstrictory effect or be secondary to uterine contractions.
Jouppila
P
P
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Oulu, Finland.
Suomalainen-König
S
S
D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D000527:Alprostadil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D011261:Pregnancy Trimester, First / Q000502:physiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*; D014655:Vascular Resistance / Q000187:drug effects
C021182:gemeprost; D000527:Alprostadil