RIPENING OF THE CERVIX BY INTRACERVICAL APPLICATION OF PGE2‐GEL BEFORE TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY WITH DILATATIONU AND EVACUATION

Abstract

In a randomized double-blind study a viscous gel, containing 0.25 mg prostaglandin E2 (PGE2-gel) or without prostaglandin (placebo gel), was applied intracervically in twenty-two nulliparous patients just before termination of early pregnancy by dilatation and evacuation (D & E). Within twelve hours a marked ripening of the cervix was found in all the eleven patients receiving PGE2-gel. Thus, a significant change in cervical dilatation from mean 5.4 mm to mean 10.7 mm occurred. Furthermore, a considerable softening of the cervix was registered. In the eleven patients receiving placebo gel, no significant changes in cervical dilatation or consistency were found. The subsequent D & E was easily performed in all patients treated with PGE2-gel. However, in three of the patients given placebo gel, D & E was difficult to carry out because of an unfavorable cervical state. To eliminate or decrease myometrial activity the calcium antagonist nifedipine was given orally to eight patients at application and five hours after application of 0.25 mg PGE2-gel. None of the patients recognized uterine contractions. However, also in these patients significant changes in cervical consistency and dilatation occurred within twelve hours. No side effects of the treatment were observed. It is concluded, that a preoperative, intracervical single application of 0.25 mg PGE2 seems to be useful to ripen the unfavorable cervix before subsequent termination of early pregnancy by D & E.