Hormonal profile during termination of midtrimester pregnancy by extraovular instillation of saline: Plasma levels of prostaglandins, progesterone and human chorionic gonadotropin

Abstract Midtrimester abortion was initiated for psychosocial reasons in 5 patients, and premature delivery in 2 patients with intrauterine fetal death using a new method for termination of pregnancy — the instillation of normal saline through the cervical canal into the extraovular space. Blood levels of 15-keto-13,14 dihydro-prostaglandin F 2 α (PGF 2 α -M) progesterone (P) and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) were determined from the start of the procedure up to the expulsion of the fetus at frequent intervals in the peripheral circulation of these patients, by highly sensitive and specific RIA procedures. Following saline instillation and initiation of contractions, the concentration of PGF 2 α -M) increased significantly, reaching peak values either shortly before or at the time of delivery. This rise was associated with a significant decrease of P levels. Levels of HCG were variable. The possible significance of these results is discussed.