Danazol mimics antigestagen action in first trimester termination of pregnancy.
BACKGROUND
Based on steroid receptor binding and biologic activity, danazol was suspected to be an antigestagen.


OBJECTIVE
To compare with placebo test in first trimester termination of pregnancy (TOP) as a method for predilatation of the cervix prior to application of misoprostol.


METHODS
52 patients were randomised into two groups. Thereby, 26 women received 200 mg danazol vaginal suppositories three times during 2 days before administering 200 microg misoprostol and undergoing mechanical dilatation and vacuum aspiration 5h later. The other 26 received placebo suppositories and the same treatment otherwise.


RESULTS
The uterine cervix was wider and less dilatation and time was needed for the surgical termination in the group pretreated with danazol. There were six cases of complete abortion within 5h of administering misoprostol in the danazol group; and none in the placebo group. After danazol treatment, 16 women exhibited signs of abortion versus four receiving the inert suppositories.


CONCLUSIONS
Pretreatment with 200mg danazol suppositories three times starting 36 h before administering misoprostol for cervical dilatation enhances the effect of prostaglandin on cervical dilatation and uterine contractions in a manner similar to antigestagens.
Zalányi
S
S
Keszthely Municipal Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, MAV TEK, 6726 Szeged, Hungary.
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000187:drug effects; D003613:Danazol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011247:Pregnancy
D000020:Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal; D004965:Estrogen Antagonists; D016595:Misoprostol; D003613:Danazol