Intra‐Cervical Prostaglandin E<inf>2</inf> Gel in Management of Dead Fetus in utero

Abstract

During a two and a half year period at this institution, prostaglandin E2 gel was administrated intra‐cervically in the treatment of 74 cases of dead fetus in utero. Delivery was achieved in all 74 cases. The mean interval from induction to delivery of the fetus was 17.6 hours with a mean total dosage used of 5.2 mg. Seventy percent of the patients spontaneously expelled the fetus and placenta completely. Gastrointestinal side‐effects were minimal with no medication needed. Oxytocin was used in 17 (23%) patients mainly to expedite the expulsion of the fetus. Intra‐cervical administration appeared to result in fewer side‐effects and was more cost effective than vaginal prostaglandin therapy for the treatment of dead fetus. © 1991 Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology