Title: Clinical uses of prostaglandins in human reproduction.

POPLINE Document Number: 784803

Author(s):

Bajaj P

Source citation:

NURSING JOURNAL OF INDIA, 1978 Sep;69(9):197-9.

Abstract:

Prostaglandins have found clinical applications in: 1) termination of midtrimester pregnancy; 2) induction of labor; 3) menstrual regulation; and 4) control of postpartum hemorrhage. In abortion, prostaglandins (PGs) are used to bring about rapid dilatation of the cervix and diminished flow of the utero-placental blood. They are administered via intravenous, intra- and extra-amniotic, vaginal, and intramuscular routes, and are considered to be the most efficient and safest abortifacient known. Common side effects (nausea, diarrhea, phlebitis, fever, chills and rigors, hypotension, chest pains) can be controlled by simultaneous use of drugs such as Diazapan, Squil, Stemetil, Eskazil, and Lomotil. In cases of induction of labor (e.g., intrauterine fetal death or missed abortion), PGs have a success rate of 85-98%, with minor side effects. Although PGs are used to regulate menstruation, accompanying side effects make their use for this purpose almost unacceptable. In addition, their role in controlling postpartum hemorrhage has been found to be insignificant. A clinical trial of 341 healthy pregnant women who had abortion using PGs is briefly described.

Keywords:

Prostaglandins
Abortion
Menstrual Regulation
Pregnancy
Endocrine System
Physiology
Biology
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Fertility Control, Postcoital
Reproduction