The Feasibility of Early Second Trimester Pregnancy (12 to 14 weeks) Termination with Single Intra‐Amniotic Injection of 15‐Methyl PGF2α

Abstract

Prostaglandin analogues have proven to be safe and effective for second trimester pregnancy terminations when given by various routes. Of these, the intra-amniotic (IA) route has proven to be safer, especially in women with medical disorders, as it causes the least occurrence of systemic side-effects. Previously, blind transabdominal IA instillation of the analogue 15-methyl PGF2 alpha was routinely possible only after 16 weeks' gestation. With the advent of ultrasound-guided techniques, it has now become possible to use the IA route for very early second trimester pregnancies. This study examines the use of single 1.5 mg 15-methyl PGF2 alpha IA injection for termination of 12-14 weeks pregnancies. Single injection resulted in successful abortion in 76.5% of women and, in the unsuccessful cases, additional prostaglandin injection resulted in successful abortion in all women within 48 hours without problems. It is therefore feasible to use ultrasound-guided IA prostaglandin injection for successful termination of early second trimester pregnancies.