2ND-TRIMESTER ABORTION BY INTRAMUSCULAR 15-METHYL-PROSTAGLANDIN F2-ALPHA OR INTRAVAGINAL PROSTAGLANDIN E(2) SUPPOSITORIES - A RANDOMIZED TRIAL

Objective: To compare intramuscular (IM) prostaglandin 15 methyl-F-2 a lpha (15M-PGF(2 alpha)) with prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) vaginal suppo sitories for second-trimester abortion in terms of efficacy and side e ffects. Methods: Fifty-one women were randomized to receive either 15M -PGF(2 alpha) IM injections or PGE(2) intravaginal suppositories for s econd-trimester abortion. Efficacy and side effects of the two agents were analyzed by two-tailed t tests, chi(2) analysis with Fisher exact test, and survival analysis. Results: The mean times to rupture of me mbranes, delivery of fetus, and delivery of placenta were significantl y less for women receiving PGE(2) vaginal suppositories. The cumulativ e abortion rate after 24 hours for the PGE(2) group was 96%, compared with 69% for the 15M-PGF(2 alpha) group. Although there were few diffe rences in side effects, the 15M-PGF(2 alpha) group had significantly f ewer headaches, fevers, and chills. Conclusion: Intravaginal PGE(2) is superior to IM 15M-PGF(2 alpha) for second-trimester abortion.