Title: A maternal death associated with prostaglandin E2.

POPLINE Document Number: 797320

Author(s):

Patterson SP
White JH
Reaves EM

Source citation:

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, 1979 Jul;54(1):123-4.

Abstract:

A case of maternal death associated with late abortion by prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) for in utero fetal death is reported. The woman was a 30-year-old gravida 2, para 1, admitted with intrauterine fetal death. Her family history of cardiovascular disease, especially myocardial infarction, is emphasized. 2 20-mg vaginal suppositories were inserted at different times to dilate the cervix, and placenta was evacuated by vacuttage. She was realeased the next day. 9 days later the patient was readmitted to the hospital with chest pains, and a lung scan was positive for pulmonary embolism, but a cardiac scan was negative for myocardial infarction. Her lipid profile was type IV. Cardiac arrest occurred, and she died 12 hours later despite attempts at resuscitation. Autopsy revealed a large transmural anterior myocardial infarction associated with an extensive fibrinous pericarditis obliterating the pericardial sac. There was severe generalized cornonary arteriosclerosis, with 95% occlusion of the left main coronary artery. This is the 1st reported fatality associated with PGE2 vaginal suppositories.

Keywords:

Case Studies
Maternal Mortality
Prostaglandins
Abortion
Heart Diseases
Pregnancy, Third Trimester
Side Effects
Studies
Research Methodology
Mortality
Population Dynamics
Demographic Factors
Population
Endocrine System
Physiology
Biology
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Diseases
Pregnancy
Reproduction
Treatment