Experience with PGF2 alpha in mid-trimester pregnancy termination in Ibadan.

Twenty-five cases of mid-trimester pregnancy termination using intra-amniotic PGF2 alpha are described. The dose of PGF2 alpha used ranged between 40 and 80 mgs. Eighty-eight percent of all patients received 66mg or less of PGF2 alpha. Complete abortion without surgical intervention occurred in 13 (52%) of the women. The mean instillation abortion interval was 22 h. Surgical intervention was required in twelve patients. Side effects, mainly gastrointestinal symptoms, occurred in 72% of our patients. No epileptic seizure or cervical laceration was reported. It is suggested that the use of prostaglandin for pregnancy termination should be restricted to large medical centres with adequate facilities for coping with complications. Introduction of mid-trimester abortion with prostaglandin offers a back up method for failed contraception and obviates the need for surgical dilation of the cervix with its attendant risks.