Abortion during mid-pregnancy by rivanol-catheter supplemented with PGF 2α drip-infusion or quinine hydrochloride

Abstract

Abortion during mid-pregnancy was performed in 200 patients by extra-amniotic insertion of Nelaton catheters and instillation of 0.1% rivanol solution. To shorten the abortion time, quinine hydrochloride was given orally in one group (n=100), and intravenous infusion of prostaglandin F 2α (PGF 2α) was undertaken in the other group (n=100). The abortion rate after 72 hours was higher in the PGF 2α group (96%) than that in the quinine group (91%), but the difference was not statistically significant. The abortion time was significantly shorter in the PGF 2α group than in the quinine group (p<0.01). This method, together with supplementary treatment with oxytocic substances, proved to be an effective mid-pregnancy abortion method. The risks of endometritis, gastro-intestinal complications, and/or heavy bleeding either during or post-abortive were minimal.