Description:
Abstract. A new gel‐formulation for intracervical application of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been prepared. As a vehicle for the gel a cross‐link starch polymer is used. PGE2 substance is added to the starch polymer and after homo‐genization and lyophilization a PGE2 powder is obtained. The powder can be stored at room temperature for more than four months without inactivation of the prostaglandin. Before clinical application a few ml of saline is added to the powder giving, within 30 seconds, an easily‐handled ready to use PGE2‐gel. Chemical analysis by spectrophotometric technique reveals that the amount of unchanged PGE2 is the same in the new gel‐formulation as in a conventional cellulose gel.In a randomized double‐blind study the new PGE2‐gel was intracervically applied to twenty nulliparae before abortion by dilatation and evacuation (D & E). Ten women were given a gel containing 0.25 mg PGE2 (PGE2‐gel) and ten a gel without PGE2 (placebo gel). It was found that the PGE2‐gel, in contrast to the placebo gel, produced a rapid ripening of the cervix facilitating the subsequent D & E. No adverse systemic or local reactions were found during or after the treatment.